Pseudowintera colorata ‘Marjorie Congreve’ – Striking New Zealand Shrub

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Pseudowintera colorata ‘Marjorie Congreve’

• Common Name: Mountain Horopito, Pepper Tree

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub with ornamental foliage

• Height & Spread: Typically grows to around 1–1.5 metres tall and 1 metre wide, with a compact, rounded form.

• Foliage: Beautiful leathery leaves with a distinctive mottled pattern—green speckled with bronze, burgundy, and gold. The foliage colour deepens in cooler months, adding year-round interest.

• Flowers: Tiny, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers may appear in spring but are secondary to the striking foliage.

• Origin: Native to New Zealand, valued for its unique colouring and adaptability.

• Garden Uses:

  • Works well in ornamental borders, shrub gardens, or rockeries.

  • Adds colour contrast to evergreen planting schemes.

  • Excellent in containers for patios and courtyards.

  • Ideal for low-maintenance gardens seeking a plant with year-round appeal.

Planting Conditions and Best Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade to dappled light.

  • Can tolerate some full sun, but protection from strong afternoon sun enhances foliage colour and prevents scorching.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with organic content.

  • Dislikes heavy clay or waterlogged areas.

  • Best results are achieved in slightly acidic to neutral soils.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

  • Mulching helps to retain soil moisture and protect roots.

  • Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Plant in sheltered locations, protected from harsh winds.

  • Ideal under light tree canopies or alongside shade-loving shrubs.

  • Works as an understorey plant in woodland-style gardens.

Care, Maintenance, and Seasonal Advice

• Watering:

  • Water regularly after planting until established.

  • During hot or dry summers, provide deep watering once a week.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

  • An annual mulch of compost or leaf mould improves soil structure and supports root health.

• Pruning:

  • Requires little pruning—simply remove dead or damaged stems.

  • Light trimming in spring or after flowering helps maintain a compact shape.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases.

  • Ensure good air circulation around the plant to avoid fungal issues in damp conditions.

• Winter Hardiness:

  • Hardy in mild to moderate climates but may need protection in very cold areas.

  • Mulch around the base in winter to protect roots from frost.

  • In colder gardens, consider growing in a container and moving to a sheltered spot in winter.

• Wildlife Benefits:

  • Provides habitat and cover for small insects and birds.

  • Adds biodiversity value to mixed planting schemes.

✨ Pseudowintera colorata ‘Marjorie Congreve’ is a truly eye-catching shrub, loved for its mottled, colourful foliage that changes with the seasons. With its compact form, shade tolerance, and low-maintenance nature, it’s a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking something different that provides year-round ornamental value.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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