How to Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium is an attractive evergreen shrub with wavy-edged leaves on dark stems, popular for hedging and floristry. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and tolerates coastal exposure. Trim to shape in late spring after the risk of frost has passed, and clip hedges again in late summer. Hardy in milder UK areas but may suffer in prolonged hard frost or exposed positions — protect from cold east winds. Several coloured-leaf varieties are available for added interest.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Balanced feed in spring. Mulch with compost.
Watch For
- Pittosporum sucker
- Scale insects
- Frost damage
Companions
Lavender, Grasses, Hebes
Track your Pittosporum tenuifolium care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun to partial shade; good in coastal sites
Grows well in full sun or partial shade. Variegated cultivars colour best in good light. Tolerates coastal exposure and wind.
💧 Watering
Water until established; drought tolerant thereafter
Water regularly until established. Once settled, pittosporum is reasonably drought tolerant. Container-grown plants need regular watering year-round.
🌱 Fertilizing
Balanced feed in spring; mulch base
Apply a balanced granular feed in spring. Mulch the base with garden compost or bark to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
✂️ Pruning
Trim late spring; clip hedges twice yearly
Trim to shape in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. If used as hedging, clip in spring and again in late summer. Responds well to hard renovation pruning if needed.
🍂 Mulching
Mulch in spring for moisture and root protection
Mulch around the base in spring with compost or bark chips. This helps retain moisture and protects roots from cold in exposed positions.
❄️ Overwintering
Hardy in mild areas; protect from cold winds
Hardy in milder UK areas (RHS H4). In cold or exposed gardens, protect from harsh east winds with fleece or a sheltered position. May suffer dieback in prolonged hard frost.
Growing Tips
Two clips a year
Trim to shape in late spring after the last frost; clip hedges a second time in late summer for a tidy finish.
Shelter from cold winds
Protect from cold east winds in exposed gardens; fleece or a sheltered position prevents winter dieback.
Great for coastal sites
Tolerates coastal exposure and wind well, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Pittosporum Sucker
Identification: Flattened, distorted shoot tips with curled leaves. White waxy secretions on affected growth. New growth is stunted and disfigured.
- Prune out affected shoot tips as soon as damage is noticed
- Encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps
- Spray with a systemic insecticide in spring when new growth begins
Pest Scale Insects
Identification: Small brown or white oval bumps on stems and leaf undersides. Sticky honeydew and sooty mould on foliage below.
- Scrub off with a soft brush in winter
- Apply a winter plant oil wash to dormant stems
- Encourage parasitic wasps and ladybirds
- Spray with a plant oil-based insecticide during the dormant season
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black aphids on young shoot tips. Sticky honeydew and distorted new leaves.
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Spray with a pyrethrin-based insecticide if infestations are severe
Disease Pittosporum Leaf Spot Alternaria spp.
Symptoms: Circular brown or grey spots on leaves, sometimes with a darker border. Spots may merge in wet weather, causing leaf drop.
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves. Prune to improve air circulation.
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering. Ensure good spacing for airflow. Clear fallen leaves promptly.
Disease Frost Damage N/A
Symptoms: Brown or blackened leaf tips and margins. Dieback of young shoots. Bark may split on stems in severe cases.
Treatment: Wait until spring to assess damage, then prune out dead growth. Do not prune in winter as this exposes more tissue to frost.
Prevention: Plant in a sheltered position away from cold east winds. Protect with fleece during prolonged hard frost. Choose hardier cultivars for exposed sites.
Log Pittosporum tenuifolium in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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