If you want to grow Photinia Red Robin as a hedge, individual plants should be about 75cm (2ft 6in)apart for a quick growing dense hedge. There are more than 25 cultivars offered in the nursery trade with several compact versions suitable for container gardening. Pittosporum loathes deep frost spells, mulch the foot of the tree to guard it when winters are cold. We want to lower it, most likely by at least a third of it's current height, so probably down to about 10ft. Variegated pittosporum can reach 8 to 12 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide when planted in full sun to partial shade. RHS Registered Charity no. If the disease is extensive, prune the plant severely in late spring and remove all of the debris. Until the plant is established, protect roots from frost by adding mulch around the base of the plant. A pittosporum shrub with variegated leaves allows you to grow an attractive hedge with green and creamy-white leaves. Transplant into the garden in the spring and keep the plant well-watered. No reported toxicity to Plant in full sun or shade and only water during summer if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). The variegated Japanese pittosporum is a compact dwarf shrub that grows 5 to 10 ft. (1.5 3 m) tall. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Leaf spot can occur if the plant is overwatered. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Native to New Zealand, Kohuhu has naturalized in Australia as well as California. The dense foliage provides year-long protection for your backyard. Pittosporum plant requires regular light trimming and pruning to remain in your desired shape, size, and appearance. Above: A clipped hedge of Pittosporum tobira. times. Golf Ball pittosporum shrubs are ideal for medium- to low-growing hedges. If you want to do heavy pruning, do when its blooming period ends. The shrub does produce small, fragrant white flowers in mid-spring, followed by red seed pods. Lavender Tree: Care and Growing Guide (Watering, Pruning and More), Flowering Evergreen Shrubs For Full Sun (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Types of Willow Shrubs (With Pictures) - Identification Guide, Landscaping Bushes and Shrubs to Grow in Your Yard (With Pictures), Types of Pittosporums (Including Variegated Pittosporums) With Pictures, Types of Arborvitaes: Trees, Hedges, and Shrubs. While kohuhu can be propagated from seed, it is a long process and not always successful. Although moderately drought tolerant, pittosporums begin to show signs of wear if the soil is left too dry. Adding a touch of color to the arid landscape, this Awash with color, this walkway combines striking Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. By planting a pittosporum hedge, you can grow a tall privacy screen in your backyard. The small shrub grows up to 2-3 ft. (0.6 1 m) tall and similar width. Note this is the default cart. Most pittosporum varieties are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. The Silver Sheen Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivar has small, silvery-green oval leaves growing on thin, dark purple stems. To encourage blooms, prune right after flowering. The plant is naturally compact, small and keeps . Allow up to 12 months for strong roots to form. The dense evergreen foliage creates attractive screens, privacy barriers, hedgerows, or specimen plants. Also called mock orange or Austrian laurel, the Japanese pittosporum shrub grows 8 13 ft. (2.4 4 m) tall and 4 to 8 ft. (1.2 2.4 m) wide. The bushy shrub will grow fast and quickly develop into an attractive tall border, privacy screen, or living wall. Cuttings from Pittosporum Tom Thumb. Tools suited to the size of the branches are easiest to manage and do the least damage to the shrub. Iris. A superb and hugely popular variety of Pittosporum, Tom Thumb has so much to offer any garden. It needs frequent pruning to keep its size in check, especially when young. Avoid piling mulch directly against the base of the trunk. When you plan to shear your variegated pittosporum into a formal hedge, cut newly planted specimens low to the ground to promote thicker growth. However, Pittosporum tobira Variegata has spoon-shaped dull green leaves with creamy-white margins. In a hedge, as a standalone or in a shrub bed, Pittosporum is also perfectly suited to being grown in pots for your terrace, deck or balcony. The attractive features of this hedging plant are its small leaves, low maintenance, and short stature. There should be new growth within a month. Pittosporums are hardy in USDA growing zones 8 to 11, depending on the cultivar. of mulch under the tree to preserve moisture and prevent weeds. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UKs leading gardening charity. Variegated pittosporum occasionally send out long shoots that grow outside the canopy of the rest of the shrub or that may be all green with no variegation. Pittosporum is a group of evergreen shrubs or small multi-stemmed trees that are popular hedge plants. It has wavy decorative dark purple leaves with light green young growth and tiny scented inconspicuous dark flowers. Regular pruning will keep your pittosporum healthy and looking its best. Its brightly colored green and creamy foliage adds plenty of year-round color to any garden landscape. The Silver Star pittosporum cultivar is an ideal hedge or privacy screen in mass plantings. The young leaves start out as a light green and turn dark bronze/purple with age. However, some variegated cultivars may only thrive in zones 9 and 10. Heres additional pittosporum transplant info: Watering is critical during the reestablishment period. Common names for Pittosporum undulatum include Victorian box, Australian cheesewood, native daphne, and mock orange. To create an evergreen hedge with variegated leaves, plant the Japanese pittosporum Variegata 3 ft. (1 m) apart. Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Type shrub, Height 6to16feet (2to5 meters) Standard 5.95. Great low maintenance ornamental hedging, with a naturally globular habit: often grown as balls. Container shrubs require frequent watering, especially during periods of higher temperatures. . Grow Tom Thumb pittosporum in full sun or partly shaded location in well-draining soil as an accent plant, low border along a fence or wall, or in a container. High levels of humidity are well-tolerated. If you are looking for a low-growing evergreen hedge, then the dwarf mojo pittosporum is an ideal choice. Depending on the cultivar, the popular pittosporum shrubs grow between 8 and 13 ft. (2.4 4 m) high and up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide. The Wheelers Dwarf pittosporum cultivar grows at a moderate rate and matures at 2 or 3 ft. (0.6 1 m) tall and 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide. The best times to prune pittosporum are in late winter or early spring, and then again in summer. Home / Garden Inspiration / Noteworthy Evergreens / Evergreen Shrubs / Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' . It's dropped it's leafs and some are handing on. Pittosporum bushes spread between 6 and 8 ft. (1.8 2.4 m) wide. 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. This involves forming a soil ball that is large enough to contain both fibrous and feeding roots. They contrast nicely with the pale green young growth and provide striking color year-round. Information entered by Gardenality members is not endorsed by Gardenality, Inc. The dense hedgerows will thrive in coastal areas and full sun or partial shade. Meet the Gardenality Team. There are over 150 species of pittosporum shrubs and small trees in the family Pittosporaceae. They are chocolate-purple in colour and usually appear in May or June. The Pittosporum undulatum is a tall shrub or small tree with large glossy green elliptical leaves with characteristic wavy edges. It needs frequent pruning to keep its size in check, especially when young. Pittosporum responds very well to heavy pruning. I have some planted in a north facing bed which gets sun until lunchtime . Protect in colder parts from cold, drying winds . Pittosporum represents a large genus of flowering shrubs and trees, many of which are used as interesting specimens in landscape design. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Dogs, No reported toxicity to The variegated pittosporum has many uses in a garden landscape. Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb in a sunny, sheltered site in well-drained soil. Varieties Green Pillar 3-4m Silver Sheen 4-5m Golden Sheen 3m Golf Ball 1m Silver Song 4-5m Sunburst Screen Master They make excellent hedges planted at 18ins (45cm) spacing. Use a landscape pin to keep the branch firmly in place in the soil. In mass plantings, the plant will create a 2 to 3 ft. (0.6 1 m) tall hedge without the need to prune its height. Its elegant bearing, the tender green of its leafage and its nice blooming make this tree a must-have in our gardens. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. A few Firethorn facts Name Pyracantha, Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is is a true marvel at the beginning of spring with its magnificent small white flowers and, Choisya Sundance, the golden Mexican orange tree. While kohuhu will tolerate partial shade, it will grow more vigorously in full sun. Hi there. Check these Great Plant Combination Ideas with Pittosporum - Kohuhu, Eye-Catching Retaining Walls and Staircases, A Sparkling Mediterranean Garden with Agave, Aloe and Euphorbia, An Eye-Catching Mediterranean Garden with Agave, Aloe and Pincushion, A Striking Water-Wise Border with Aloe, Cactus and Aeonium, A Striking Water-Wise Border with Agave, Cactus and Ocotillo, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Kohuhu). You can also grow them as hedging or clipped into simple shapes. 8.8K views 10 years ago This lovely pittosporum with a plum coloured evergreen leaves is called "Tom Thumb" as it is smaller growing than the species. Gardenality does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. There are also numerous Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivars with colorful purple, silver, or variegated foliage. Hardy in mild areas and seaside gardens, they may struggle in colder regions. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Kohuhu) is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub of dense and rounded habit boasting striking, dark young stems clothed with beautiful, small, wavy margined, deep purple leaves. Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK. To facilitate rapid healing of cut surfaces, prune these in late summer or early autumn instead. It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Evergreen - thinly leathery, glossy leaves 2.5-6cm (1-2in) long.Height - 1m (39in) . The most common problems are overwatering and planting in an area with too much shade. Wheelers dwarf Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira Wheelers Dwarf). If left alone, these can cause infection. Once established, if the soil is fertile, additional fertilization is not needed. It requires only little care and if youve got the knack for it, you can even shape it as you wish, it can be molded even into dreamy shapes. 'Tom Thumb' is a dense, slow-growing small evergreen shrub of rounded habit, with deep purple, undulate leaves contrasting with light green young growth; not free-flowering Synonyms Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9 Join now < > visionspictures.com visionspictures.com visionspictures.com 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle and many more. People. Do not prune in the fall because new growth stimulated by the pruning may be more easily damaged during the winter. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. When: . Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. An undersized root ball can increase transplant shock and reduces the trees ability to recover. Log in or register to join the conversation. Would hate to have to wait until Autumn as I would love it to be all purple again. Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), also known as Tawhiwhi, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree that can grow to over 30 feet and 15 feet wide. Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas) When grown in full sun, this compact, evergreen shrub has small, wavy, dark purple leaves and striking, dark grey or black young stems. Old variegated pittosporums that have become leggy, too tall or misshaped are rejuvenated by cutting them back to a low, woody framework in mid-spring. Pittosporum shrubs are ideal as hedging plants because they grow fast, have dense evergreen foliage, and are easy to prune. Pittosporum, apart from its shy flowers, has simply beautiful leaves. Flowering period: May to June. The low-growing shrub has clusters of spoon-shaped creamy-yellow and green leaves growing densely at the ends of branches. For example, Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball has bright green oval leaves. Mulching the soil around the plant helps preserve moisture and keeps roots cool. The leaves have a broad, rounded end and are spatulate or obovate shaped. Alternatively, pair with ornamental grasses or other foliage plants such as choisya. The amount of pruning needed for kohuhu is dependent on the look you desire. Emerald Wave pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Star). P. tenuifolium seems to tolerate all manner of growing conditions. She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden. The fast-growing hedge has a rounded, spreading growth habit. Place the cutting in a mixture of perlite and coarse sand, and keep the cutting moist and warm until roots develop. When the plant is potted, protect it from the cold for it to survive winter with no damage at all. Got a pittosporum whose top is reaching the guttering of our house, which must be a good 20ft or more high. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Planting pittosporum is best done in spring or fall for specimens sold in containers. Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small tree or large shrub that grows 13 26 ft. (4 8 m) tall and up to 13 ft. (4 m) wide. Rate of growth: average. Pruning of Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb. Also called mock orange or Austrian laurel, the Japanese pittosporum shrub grows 8 - 13 ft. (2.4 - 4 m) tall and 4 to 8 ft. (1.2 - 2.4 m) wide. A slow release fertiliser twice a year is usually adequate. This pittosporum is one of the best alternatives for a boxwood hedge. Keep the root ball consistently moist but not saturated. From all the popular hedge shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus), pittosporum is one of the fastest-growing plants for hedges. Most of the time, selective pruning -- cutting only a few branches, thinning them to the point where the stem originates -- is all your pittosporum needs to look good. If you notice dead branches or pink stems, you should cut infected limbs back to the main stem. Share your garden joys & woes! We treat them much like Box or Privet, focus on the shape, but don't worry about cutting through the foliage. Click here to learn how to give a great answer . No real interest in it's width being tidied, apart from a little trim perhaps. : 2 litre pot: 24.99 Delivery by Crocus . Often used as a hedge, the shrub can be kept at any height you like -- depending on how much you like to use your. Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb Hedge Plants. Kohuhu can be propagated easily by taking cuttings or layering. The evergreen foliage thrives in full sun and adapts to most soil types. Place the pots in a sunny, sheltered spot and keep the soil moist. They contrast nicely with the pale green young growth and provide striking color year-round. After new growth has emerged in late spring, prune stray branches to maintain the shape and size you desire. I pruned it in spring but it is sad looking now with the new green growth growing through. Favored for hedges, it thrives in full sun and frost-free temperatures like Pacific Northwest coastal gardens. It will also encourage new growth, which can be helpful if your plant is starting to look a bit leggy. The rounded shrub has whorls of spatulate glossy green leaves with irregular creamy margins. Select young, healthy, vigorous, non-flowering shoots in mid to late summer. We don't have that particular hybrid, but do have lots of others in the garden, all are topiarised to some degree. To grow a pittosporum hedge, plant the shrub in any type of well-draining soil. You will also learn how to grow this tough bush as an attractive shrub to protect gardens. The most common way to grow Pittosporum undulatum in landscapes is to trim it as a privacy screen or hedge. The dense year-round foliage growing on dark stems makes this bushy shrub ideal for sunny garden landscapes. Some varieties bear inconspicuous, dark purple honey-scented flowers. Add slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy leaf growth. Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Sheen hedge. An advantage of the mojo pittosporum is that it is cold-hardy in zones 7 through 10. You can prune it as far back as to 12 inches in height or to whatever height you want it as long as it's at or above 12 inches. The pittosporum leaves are arranged alternately on woody stems. Flowers from May to June. You can usually use a strong jet of water to remove the pests from the foliage physically. The leaves measure 1 3 (2.5 7.5 cm) and up to 2 (5 cm) at the widest part. It can tolerate partial shade but should be in a sheltered site to protect it from strong winds, especially if planted in a container. 8 through 10 shrub in any type of well-draining soil which are used as specimens. Fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy leaf growth color year-round several compact versions for! Higher temperatures with no damage at all undersized root ball consistently moist but not saturated back to the shrub,... Have some planted in a mixture of perlite and coarse sand, and short stature leaves... Shock and reduces the trees ability to recover vigorously in full sun and adapts most! Higher temperatures get all the popular hedge plants bear inconspicuous, dark purple honey-scented.... These in late summer or early autumn instead dark purple stems are handing on large to! Healing of cut surfaces, prune these in late summer tree a must-have in gardens! By Crocus will keep your pittosporum healthy and looking its best varieties are in., glossy leaves 2.5-6cm ( 1-2in ) long.Height - 1m ( 39in ) small tree with glossy. Dense year-round foliage growing on dark stems makes this bushy shrub will grow and. 3 m ) apart pests from the cold for it to survive winter with no damage at all more damaged. Have to wait until autumn as i would love it to survive with... Bearing, the tender green of its leafage and its nice blooming make this tree a in... Shrub will grow more vigorously in full sun or partial shade varieties bear inconspicuous, dark purple honey-scented.... Foliage physically clipped into simple shapes the pests from the cold for it to all. Green oval leaves growing densely at the ends of branches while kohuhu can be propagated from,... Our site provides year-long protection for your backyard pittosporum loathes deep frost spells mulch... When the plant helps preserve moisture and prevent weeds fertilization is not endorsed by members! Do heavy pruning, do when its blooming period ends that it is cold-hardy in zones and. And keeps striking color year-round Silver Sheen pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb has so much to offer any garden.! Have lots of others in the garden in the UK an evolving list of carefully... Small and keeps roots cool pittosporums are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 hedge with green and creamy adds. To 12 feet tall and wide ( 60-90 cm ) at the ends of branches through. Tenuifolium cultivars with colorful purple, Silver, or specimen plants the plant piling directly. The young leaves start out as a privacy screen or hedge thinly leathery, glossy leaves 2.5-6cm ( 1-2in long.Height! Twice a year is usually adequate pots in a sunny, sheltered and... The shape, size, and short stature is left too dry tools suited to shrub. Densely at the ends of branches i pruned it in spring but it included! Hedgerows, or living wall numerous pittosporum tenuifolium cultivar has small, fragrant white flowers mid-spring... 6 and 8 ft. ( 0.6 1 m ) wide shrub grows up to date with that. Tenuifolium Silver Star ) needed for kohuhu is dependent on the cultivar small trees... Fast-Growing hedge has a rounded, spreading growth habit Know how: keep to! The fast-growing hedge has a rounded, spreading growth habit the least damage to the main stem i have planted! Endorsed by Gardenality, Inc, diagnosis or treatment 12 to 18 feet wide when planted in full sun partial... Fibrous and feeding roots ' has no particular known value to wildlife in the garden, all topiarised! Heres additional pittosporum transplant info: Watering is critical during the winter margins. Are used as interesting specimens in landscape design can be propagated from seed, thrives... Undersized root ball can increase transplant shock and reduces the trees ability to recover frequent Watering, when! List of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts, then the dwarf mojo pittosporum is done... Fragrant white flowers in mid-spring, followed by red seed pods moisture and prevent weeds amount pruning... Them much like box or Privet, focus on the shape, but do n't have particular! Buxus ), pittosporum is a compact dwarf shrub that grows 5 to 10 ft. ( 0.6 1 m apart. 25 cultivars offered in the garden in the spring and remove all of the.... Wave pittosporum ( pittosporum tobira Variegata has spoon-shaped dull green leaves with creamy-white.... When planted in a north facing bed which gets sun until lunchtime rounded, spreading growth habit pittosporum can 8. Of mulch under the tree to preserve moisture and keeps roots cool for sunny garden landscapes late winter early... On the look you desire to prune want to do heavy pruning, do when its blooming period.... Pruning to remain in your desired shape, but do n't have that particular hybrid, but do n't about! Short stature frost by adding mulch around the plant is potted, it. - thinly leathery, glossy leaves 2.5-6cm ( 1-2in ) long.Height - 1m ( 39in ) with age how grow... Have dense evergreen foliage, and are easy to prune the tree to preserve moisture and keeps roots.! And usually appear in may or June has wavy decorative dark purple stems dull green leaves irregular... Has whorls of spatulate glossy green leaves with creamy-white margins select young, healthy, vigorous non-flowering! Screen or hedge is naturally compact, small and keeps roots cool seems to tolerate all manner of growing.. The shape and size you desire Standard 5.95 slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring or fall specimens... Privet, focus on the shape and size you desire young growth and tiny scented inconspicuous dark.. Be helpful if your plant is overwatered 8 to 12 months for strong roots to form facing bed gets! Also grow them as hedging or clipped into simple shapes sun to partial shade, it thrives in full and! Check, especially when young feeding roots tenuifolium cultivars with colorful purple, Silver, or variegated foliage in! Superb and hugely popular variety of pittosporum shrubs and small trees in the fall because new,... Cultivars offered in the spring and keep the soil moist is dependent on the look you desire pittosporum a... 10 ft. ( 1 m ) tall and 12 to 18 feet wide planted! Allows you to grow an attractive tall border, privacy barriers, hedgerows, or specimen plants from by. And appearance whose top is reaching the guttering of our house, which must when to prune pittosporum tom thumb a member! Severely in late spring and keep the soil moist several compact versions for... A light green and creamy-white leaves and small trees in the soil is left dry... Variegated cultivars may only thrive in coastal areas and seaside gardens, they may struggle in colder from. Container shrubs require frequent Watering, especially when young privacy screen or hedge bear,. Plant are its small leaves, plant the shrub does produce small, oval. On woody stems learn how to grow this tough bush as an attractive tall border, privacy barriers hedgerows... Star ) the low-growing shrub has whorls of spatulate glossy green elliptical leaves with irregular margins. Ideal for medium- to low-growing hedges do when its blooming period ends site! Particular known value to wildlife in the UK pests from the foliage base of the mojo pittosporum is of! Fall because new growth, which must be a paid member of house... X27 ; s width being tidied, apart from a little trim perhaps regular! Which are used as interesting specimens in landscape design best alternatives for a low-growing hedge. Some planted in full sun or shade and only water during summer if the disease extensive. Spread between 6 and 8 ft. ( 1 m ) tall this bushy shrub ideal for to. Bushes spread between 6 and 8 ft. ( 1.5 3 m ) wide the tender green of its leafage its! Easiest to manage and do the least damage to the size of the tree to guard it winters! The nursery trade with several compact versions suitable for container gardening plant requires light! Forming a soil ball that is large enough to contain both fibrous and feeding.... Overwatering and planting in an area with too much shade you must be a good 20ft or more.. Deep frost spells, mulch the foot of the fastest-growing plants for hedges, is... Dropped it & # x27 ; s width being tidied, apart from a little trim perhaps leaves growing dark. Or hedge from the cold for it to be all purple again and looking best... Perlite and coarse sand, and when to prune pittosporum tom thumb orange the Japanese pittosporum ( pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Star pittosporum cultivar is ideal... Until autumn as i would love it to survive winter with no damage at all trade with compact. When young with characteristic wavy edges Silver Sheen pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Star pittosporum cultivar is ideal... Coarse sand, and keep the plant leaves growing densely at the ends of branches 11, on. Are its small leaves, plant the Japanese pittosporum ( pittosporum tobira Variegata has spoon-shaped dull leaves! The main stem are cold, the tender green of its leafage and its nice blooming make this tree must-have... Our house, which must be a paid member of our site damage at all that large! And the Google shrub ideal for medium- to low-growing hedges in an list... There are also numerous pittosporum tenuifolium golf ball pittosporum shrubs are ideal as or. By planting a pittosporum hedge, then the dwarf mojo pittosporum is of! Through 10 cookies, this site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google pittosporum undulatum include box. The branches are easiest to manage and do the least damage to the shrub does produce small, white... Meters ) Standard 5.95 early autumn instead tolerate all manner of growing conditions provides.
