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Zanthoxylum simulans (Szechuan pepper)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
6m
Max height
Max height
6m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Zanthoxylum simulans
Other names
Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, Chinese prickly-ash, Flatspine prickly-ash, Zanthoxylum bungei, Sour orange
Genus
Zanthoxylum Zanthoxylum
Species
Z. simulans - Z. simulans is a rounded to spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with broad spines on aromatic bark and pinnate, spine-based leaves with ovate to oblong, glossy, lightly toothed, dark green leaflets that turn yellow to red-flushed yellow in autumn. Cymes of tiny, cup-shaped, green flowers in early summer are followed by spherical, warty, red fruit that splits to reveal glossy, black seeds.
Zanthoxylum simulans is: Deciduous
Habit
Rounded, Spreading
Flower
Green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer; Flushed red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Root cuttings, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Zanthoxylum simulans (Szechuan pepper) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 6m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Specimen tree, Woodland
Cultivation
Perfers moist but well-drained to moisture retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Will tolerate full shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Zanthoxylum simulans
Other names
Szechuan pepper, Sichuan pepper, Chinese prickly-ash, Flatspine prickly-ash, Zanthoxylum bungei, Sour orange
Genus
Zanthoxylum Zanthoxylum
Species
Z. simulans - Z. simulans is a rounded to spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with broad spines on aromatic bark and pinnate, spine-based leaves with ovate to oblong, glossy, lightly toothed, dark green leaflets that turn yellow to red-flushed yellow in autumn. Cymes of tiny, cup-shaped, green flowers in early summer are followed by spherical, warty, red fruit that splits to reveal glossy, black seeds.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Rounded, Spreading
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Colour
Flower
Green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Summer; Flushed red in Autumn
General care
Pruning
Pruning group 1.
Propagation
Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
Propagation methods
Root cuttings, Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Zanthoxylum simulans (Szechuan pepper) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 6m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Specimen tree, Woodland
Cultivation
Perfers moist but well-drained to moisture retentive soil in sun or partial shade. Will tolerate full shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
The garden is designed by Cherry Carmen Garden Design, and the main contractor on the garden is Kebur Landscape Division. read more
Inspired by the new, exciting Witan Investment Trust PLC Global Growth Garden project at RHS Hyde Hall (opening Spring 2017), this garden seeks to demonstrate the fabulous selection of edible plants… read more
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