Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small evergreen shrub used as a hedging plant. It comes from new Zealand where it is known Both as Kōhūhū and Black matipo.
Varieties such as Screenmaster, Silver Sheen and Golf Ball all have different foliage, including colour and growth habits, however all require similar growing conditions.
A highly hybridised species, in its natural habitat it will reach around 8 – 10m in height.
Easily pruned to size and this gives it the characteristics that make it suited for use as a hedging plant or screen.
Widely used as a screening tree or hedging plant. Look for the dwarf forms of Pittosporum Tenuifolium such as ‘Tom Thumb’ which will only reach 1m or so, interesting in a container. ‘Golf Ball’ is another dwarf cultivar
How To Grow Pittosporum Tenuifolium
All cultivars require similar conditions and a well drained soil is essential, heavy clay soils may require some remedial work to improve drainage, in very sandy soils dig in some coir peat, well rotted compost and manure before planting to improve water retention. A slow release fertiliser twice a year is usually adequate.
Growing Conditions and Care
- Soil:
A free draining soil is important, constantly wet soils can cause root problems. Soil pH should be around the neutral range. - Light:
Best grown in full sun I little light shade for part of the day. Good sun will produce denser growth. - Watering:
Once established Pittosporum tenuifolium is regarded as fairly drought tolerant, however deep watering during dry periods will improve growth and general plant health.
In summer deep watering my be required depending on the soil and the climate zone. - Temperature:
Best grown in warm to temperate climates, protect from frosts. - Growth Rate:
Growth rate is regarded as fast in good conditions. - Root System:
The root system of Pittosporum tenuifolium is fairly shallow and not regarded as invasive. - Pruning
Regular light pruning helps maintain a desired shape and size. The best time to prune is in early spring. This is a plant that responds well to pruning into more formal hedging styles. - Pittosporum tenuifoliam species and cultivars are better suited to cool and temperate climates than tropical areas. Prune regularly when young to create a dense growth.
Planting Distance
Planting distance for hedge should be at around 0.5 m if you wish to create a formal clipped hedge, maybe up to .8m.
For a looser screening look, plant at around 1.5m apart.
Pruning Pittosporum tenuifolium – When and How
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For a formal hedge prune 3 times a year, spring, early summer and autumn. It is best to prune regularly and lightly rather than try to hard prune back into bare wood.
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Use power hedge trimmers for easy pruning, good flat pruning shears for finer neater work
- Ensure that each branch still has green growth on it and the lower part of the hedge should be wider than the upper part
- Do not prune during very hot weather, and always water well before pruning to lesson the stress on the plant.
- Use a stable pruning platform rather than a ladder.
Can You Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium in Contaainers?
The smaller growing types such as ‘Golf Ball’ are best suited to growing in containers over the long term.
How fast does Pittosporum tenuifolium Grow?
Growth rate is medium to fast depending on conditions and variety, some up to 1m (3ft) a year, others such as Golf Ball much slower.
Varieties
- Green Pillar 3-4m
- Silver Sheen 4-5m
- Golden Sheen 3m
- Golf Ball 1m
- Silver Song 4-5m
- Sunburst
- Screen Master
- Stirling Mist
and many others.
Pittosporum tenuifolium are available for sale from the following participating suppliers
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
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www.egardens.com.au