Common name in French:
Poivrier chinois, Clavalier à feuilles de frêne
Common name in German:
Sichuanpfeffer, Chinesischer Pfeffer
Other common names:
Flatspine Prickly-ash, Szechuan Pepper
Family:
Rutaceae
Origin:
China, where it grows on hillsides and open woods
Description:
THESE PLANTS HAVE NOW SHED THEIR LEAVES FOR THE WINTER.
A bit smaller than Z simulans, this species usually is more free-fruiting and less vigorous than Z simulans. We currently offer 6-8cm tall, unbranched and leafless plants which can reach 40-50cm by Autumn 2018.
Otherwise, also an easy-to-grow, drought tolerant, 1-2m tall ornamental shrub with stout spines, small yellow flowers and red fruits - black seeds. The plant is dioecious so either male or female flowers can be found on one plant! If dried, the seeds can be used as a condiment, stronger and more pungent than black pepper! Its Autumn coloration is remarkable: somewhere between pink and red. Its spines will never die, instead, they grow and age together with the plant and in a few years, they became 10 times larger than in their first year. Sechuan pepper can be planted into the ground, or into a large pot - keeping it on the patio; also suitable for bonsai. An unusual, hardy ornamental and spice.
Plant growing type:
deciduous
Habit:
vase-formed medium shrub
Size when mature in m:
3-4m
Main feature (value):
spiny stem and fruit
Spring value:
leaf and flower
Summer value:
leaf and flower
Autumn value:
fruit and autumn coloration
Winter value:
spiny stem and fruit
Autumn coloration:
Yellow
Flower colour:
yellow but tiny and not showy
Fruit colour:
Pink
W i n t e r
S p r i n g
S u m m e r
A u t u m n
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Flowering period:
Fruiting period:
Drought tolerance:
high
Optimum ph:
slightly acidic-neutral (pH 6-7)
Preferred location:
full sun - semi-shade
Where to plant:
with its spines, it looks exotic in any garden, especially if planted alone, but it is also great in borders too, with other drought tolerant shrubs; suitable f
Pests and diseases:
this shrub is generally pest- and disease-free
Herbal usage:
almost all parts of the plant can be used as a herb
Edibility:
used as a spice
Toxicity to humans:
not known
Optimum growing conditions:
easily grown in loamy soils in most positions, but prefers a good deep well-drained moisture retentive soil in full sun or semi-shade
Height in cm:
5-6
Pot size:
8cm
Age in year:
1 (this shrub is grown from seed on our nursery)
Our online price:
£5.90
