Brazilian pepper
Schinus terebinthifolia · Anacardiaceae
📷 Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant brazilian pepper: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, compound and finely cut
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer, small white or cream flowers
- Fruits
- Bright red berries at maturity, persistent for a long time
- Adult size
- 4 to 8 m in height, tree-like to shrubby form
- Growth
- Fast to moderate depending on conditions
- Hardiness
- Subtropical to warm temperate climate (zones 9-11)
- Origin
- South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates poor and dry soils
Care
Exposure
Install the pepper tree in full sun for optimal growth and generous fruit production. Partial shade is tolerated but will reduce fruiting. Avoid areas too exposed to cold and drying winds.
Watering
Water regularly during establishment (first year). Once established, the pepper tree tolerates relative drought well thanks to its deep roots. In arid climates, occasional watering speeds up growth, otherwise natural rainfall is often sufficient.
Pruning and shaping
Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain a balanced and dense shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Severe pruning is generally not necessary, as this plant has a naturally graceful form.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring encourages growth and flowering. The pepper tree is not demanding: avoid excess nitrogen which would favor foliage at the expense of fruits.
Soil
Prefer well-drained soil to prevent root rot. The pepper tree adapts well to poor, rocky or slightly saline soils, making it valuable for landscaping difficult areas. Adding compost at planting time facilitates establishment.
Diseases and pests
Particularly hardy under appropriate conditions, the pepper tree mainly fears excess moisture and root rot. Watch for scale insects in warm climates. Good air circulation prevents most fungal problems.
Did you know?
The pepper tree owes its common name to its red and peppery berries that resemble true pepper, although it is not a close relative. Originating from South America, it has naturalized in Mediterranean and coastal regions where it has become so prolific that it is considered invasive in some ecosystems.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.