Pseudowintera colorata ‘Marjorie Congreve’ – 5L

NZ Pepper Tree / Mountain Horopito

Pseudowintera ‘Marjorie Congreve’ is a truly distinctive evergreen shrub, celebrated for its beautifully mottled foliage in shades of green, bronze, burgundy, gold, and pink. The colours intensify in cooler months, making it especially valuable for year-round interest, particularly in winter.

Originally discovered at Mount Congreve in Co. Waterford, this compact and slow-growing shrub is perfect for adding unique colour and texture to sheltered garden spaces.

Key Features

• Striking multi-coloured foliage with seasonal variation
• Evergreen for all-year interest
• Compact, upright and bushy habit
• Subtle spring flowers followed by berries
• Excellent for containers, borders, and feature planting
• Ideal for sheltered gardens

Plant Details

• Plant type: Evergreen shrub
• Pot size: 5L
• Height & spread: Approx. 1–1.5m
• Foliage: Mottled green, bronze, pink, gold & burgundy
• Flowering period: Spring (small yellow-green flowers)
• Berries: Red turning to black in autumn

Growing Conditions

• Position: Partial shade to dappled light (can take sun in sheltered spots)
• Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• pH: Neutral to slightly acidic preferred
• Aspect: Sheltered from cold winds
• Hardiness: Best suited to mild areas; protect from hard frost

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring
• Mulching: Mulch annually to retain moisture and improve soil
• Pruning: Minimal—remove dead or damaged growth, lightly shape if needed
• Winter care: Protect with mulch or fleece in colder conditions

Garden Uses

• Ideal for ornamental borders and woodland-style planting
• Perfect for containers and sheltered patios
• Adds contrast in evergreen planting schemes
• Works well as an understorey plant

Why Choose ‘Marjorie Congreve’?

• Unique, colour-changing foliage unlike most shrubs
• Compact and low maintenance
• Provides year-round visual interest
• A special variety with Irish garden heritage

A rare and eye-catching addition, Pseudowintera ‘Marjorie Congreve’ brings rich colour, texture, and character to any sheltered garden setting