Evergreen Patagonian small tree with aromatic leathery leaves and clusters of small fragrant cream flowers in spring. The aromatic bark was used historically by sailors as an anti-scurvy treatment by Captain Winter on Drake’s circumnavigation, giving the name.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–10 | −12.2 °C to 4.4 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–4 | −10 °C to 5 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to the Valdivian temperate rainforest of southern Chile and Argentina — cool wet maritime conditions
- Sacred tree (foye) in Mapuche traditions — the central ceremonial tree of southern Chile
- Demanding cultivation — needs cool moist conditions, succeeds in western maritime gardens (UK, Ireland, Tasmania, New Zealand)
- Vitamin C content of the bark made it a historic anti-scurvy treatment for European sailors
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Winter’s bark against your zones