Prized for its striking, dark grey or black young stems clothed with distinctive, wavy, small grey-green leaves edged with cream, this large, bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree forms a natural oval. It makes a lovely backdrop to a sunny, well-drained border and responds well to light clipping into a more formal shape. An excellent plant for warm coastal areas, where it can successfully be grown as an attractive, variegated windbreak or hedge.
How to care for Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegatum:
Requires minimal pruning. To thin or reduce growth prune mid-spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
4m
Eventual spread:
2m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)