Pittosporum Tenuifolium – How to care for and where to buy


Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball (PBR)

Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball (PBR)

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a plant that occurs in trees and shrubs native to parts of Asia, Oceania, and Africa. It occurs in over 200 species with different characteristics and features. Also, it is an evergreen plant that thrives in drought, full sunlight, and mild frost. 

BUY: Pittosporum Tenuifolium here from UK Sellers

These plants occur in different variegations on different colours of stems ranging from dark brown to black. (What is Pittosporum?) They bloom scented flowers that produce a fragrance only at night. Plus, they are widely sold and are regularly used in gardens as centre decorations and fences. Common Pittosporum grown in the UK are Pittosporum tobiraPittosporum tenuifolium and Pittosporum Tom thumb.

How To Care For Pittosporum Tenuifolium

Pittosporum Tenuifolium is a low maintenance tree and doesn’t need much attention once they are planted in the right weather conditions. (How to Grow Pittosporum: GROW GUIDE) They thrive in full sunlight and can tolerate dry spells without water. They can tolerate cold temperatures of up to -8 degrees celsius. Younger trees are vulnerable to frost and should be covered with a fleece during harsh winter months. MORE: What to grow with pittosporum?

Where to buy Pittosporum Tenuifolium in the UK?

Types of Pittosporum Tenuifolium

  • Pittosporum tenuifolium “Marjorie Channon”: This is a classic species, and one of the most popular species of pittosporum tenuifolium. It extends up to 8-10 feet in length and 8-12 feet in diameter. Its leaves are oval-shaped with white edges and sit on top of dark brown stems. In the spring, it blooms a cluster of fragrant purple flowers.
  • Pittosporum tenuifolium “Silver sheen”: The name of this species is thanks to the green-grey hue that their leaves produce in contrast with their dark stems. It is a relatively large plant that reaches a height of 12-16 feet and spreads as wide as 6-8 feet. It is usually used to decorate pathways and driveways.
  • Pittosporum tenuifolium “Tom thumb”: This species of pittosporum tenuifolium is 3-5 feet in both length and diameter. It blooms a cluster of fragrant dark red flowers between purple leaves that sit on top of dark stems. It blooms in early summer and late spring. It is not a poisonous species and thrives in the full sunlight. Just like other species, they are subject to pests and diseases but can be protected with fungicides.
  • Pittosporum Tobira

Other Species of Pittosporum

Some other popular species include pittosporum tenuifolium golf ball, pittosporum tenuifolium silver queen, pittosporum tenuifolium gold star, and pittosporum tenuifolium wheeler's dwarf.

Problems With Pittosporum Tenuifolium

In many growing conditions, pittosporum tenuifolium are prone to pests and diseases that attack the leaves, stems, and roots. These are some of the most common infections they face. More: Why is my pittisporum dying?

  • Angular leaf spot: Identifiable by pale-green angular spots developing on the upper leaf surfaces. It thrives in warm and wet weather and be controlled by the application of fungicides.
  • Rhizoctonia aerial blight: Identifiable by small and irregular shaped spots surrounded by purple margins appearing first on the lower leaves. It can as well be treated with fungicides.
  • MORE: Why is my pittosporum dying?

When do you prune pittosporum tenuifolium?

You can prune your pittosporum tenuifolium to the shape and size you desire between April and July. Pruning the plant later in the year makes the new foilage more susceptible to winter damage. MORE: When to prune pittosporum? 

Are the berries on pittosporum tenuifolium poisonous to dogs?

There are over 20 species of pittosporum tenuifolium, while most species are not dangerous to dogs and other animals, there are a few that are highly toxic because of the presence of saponin in their berries. Do your research before you add pittosporum tenuifolium to your garden. MORE: Are pittosporum toxic to dogs?

How do you care for pittosporum tenuifolium?

Pittosporum tenuifolium needs organically rich and well-drained soil to grow. The ideal weather for the tree is warm to hot with full sunlight and a frost-free climate.

How do you trim pittosporum tenuifolium?

You can prune pittosporum tenuifolium with pruning shears to your desired shape and size.