Pseudowintera colorata Red Leopard

Pseudowintera colorata Red Leopard, also known as Drimys colorata, is a compact bush universally appreciated for its remarkably colourful evergreen foliage. Its tough leaves, with a silver reverse, are irregularly speckled with red on a cream background, with the red patterns taking on lighter or darker shades depending on the season. Blooming all year round, and of modest size, it is particularly recommended for patio decoration, as well as for small gardens. However delightful it may be, the Red Leopard Pseudowintera has a few requirements: it requires a limestone-free, well-drained soil that remains moist throughout the year, and a rather mild winter climate.

This characterful bush, sometimes called Pepper Tree because of the pungent aroma of its foliage, belongs to the Winteraceae family. It is native to New Zealand, where it is most commonly found on the edges of forests, on non-limestone soil. 'Red Leopard' is a particularly colourful cultivar with a very compact habit, recently developed in New Zealand. It grows slowly to reach approximately 80cm (32in) in height and 50-60cm in width at maturity.

Its dazzling foliage, as beautiful as a flower, is its main asset. Its evergreen leaves, entire, oval to oblong, with a pointed tip, slightly undulating at the edges, measure 4 to 5cm (2in) in length and 2.5 to 3cm (1in) in width. Initially almond green with brick margins when budding, they take on a cream colour widely speckled with scarlet red in summer under the sun's influence. With the arrival of cold weather, the red colour intensifies and spreads across the lamina. The winter foliage is coloured purple and red on a chartreuse green background. The flowering, very discreet, in the form of small clusters of greenish flowers, is followed by the formation of fruit resembling small olives, which turn black when ripe.

A baroque setting would highlight and enhance its silhouette and spectacular foliage. Combine this bush with varieties in shimmering, rich and indulgent tones, such as Clematis Westerplatte, Knautia macedonica, parrot tulips, and other Ajuga reptans groundcover to complete an elegant and energetic planting scheme. This relatively frost-sensitive bush must be protected in winter if planted in the ground in a moderate climate, and stored away if grown in a pot.

This bush is a true botanical monument as it has existed for over 65 million years.  Its peppery-tasting leaves can be used in traditional medicine as a fungicidal and analgesic.