Andean pepper Plant Care

Andean pepper (Drimys andina) belongs to the Winteraceae family within the Drimys genus. Andean pepper is native to Chile and Argentina in southern South America. Andean pepper is also known as Andean Winter's Bark.

Andean pepper displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Andean pepper produces small white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Andean pepper every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Andean pepper thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Drimys andina tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Andean pepper prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Andean pepper to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Andean pepper every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Andean pepper is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Andean pepper can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Andean pepper while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Andean pepper is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Andean pepper can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to winter's bark plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Andean pepper is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Andean pepper grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Andean pepper is native to Chile and Argentina in southern South America. In cooler regions, grow Andean pepper as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.