Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb is a dense slow-growing compact shrub with a rounded growth habit. The dense year-round foliage growing on dark stems makes this bushy shrub ideal for sunny garden landscapes. Meet the Gardenality Team. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Need advice? Check that it will rest in well drained soil because it disdains stagnant water. The versatile evergreen shrub is ideal for mass plantings, growing as a specimen tree, or an attractive bush with a pyramidal shape. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. However, suppose you want a low-growing hedge with dense evergreen foliage. The shrubs or small trees will thrive in fertile, well-draining soil. Mulching the soil around the plant helps preserve moisture and keeps roots cool. Generally pest free. The Japanese pittosporum is an ornamental evergreen shrub with leathery, spoon-shaped leaves, dense spreading foliage, and white scented flower clusters. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb') will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years. As one of the smallest pittosporum shrubs, the Turners Pitt only grows 2.5 ft. (0.7 m) tall and up to 3 ft. (1 m) wide. Kohuhu is usually problem-free; however, it can be affected by plant diseases especially if over-watered or stressed by growing conditions. The shrub is best trimmed lightly if you want to maintain that shape, but you don't need to trim it if it's not essential. The foliage of Pittosporum is excellent for flower arranging. An advantage of the mojo pittosporum is that it is cold-hardy in zones 7 through 10. The pittosporum leaves are arranged alternately on woody stems. Oregon State University. The evergreen foliage thrives in full sun and adapts to most soil types. The glossy green, leathery, ovate to oval leaves have wavy edges, and the leaves can sometimes appear curled. P. tenuifolium seems to tolerate all manner of growing conditions. It has wavy decorative dark purple leaves with light green young growth and tiny scented inconspicuous dark flowers. Golf Ball pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball). Once the pittosporum hedge is at its required height, you can trim it closely to keep its shape and form. The pittosporum Silver Star cultivar has moderate growth and matures at 12 ft. (3.6 m) tall and 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Deleting this collection CANNOT be undone. Heres additional pittosporum transplant info: Watering is critical during the reestablishment period. Layering is done directly under the shrub by rooting stems while they are still attached to the parent plant. The shrubs attractive foliage makes pittosporum bushes popular as low-maintenance barriers or screens. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources. Some varieties bear inconspicuous, dark purple honey-scented flowers. 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. The mildew appears because of poor air circulation and high humidity. They make excellent hedges planted at 18ins (45cm) spacing. Other solutions for getting rid of pests from a pittosporum hedge include neem oil. Dogs, No reported toxicity to The pointed leaves can measure 2.3 to 6 (6 15 cm) long and 1.5 (4 cm) wide. Height 1m. But, first, we will look at how to grow pittosporum shrubs as a beautiful ornamental hedge. The plant is naturally compact, small and keeps . We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. The mojo pittosporum is a dwarf mounding, evergreen shrub with green and creamy variegated leaves. Never use any information from Gardenality to diagnose or treat any medical problem. The small brownish-purple flowers in May-June are few, but have a light honey scent that gets stronger in the evening. Type shrub, Height 6to16feet (2to5 meters) Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb is a compact shrub with a rounded shape, and bears small, dark purple leaves. In spring, small, creamy-yellowish scented flowers appear. Planting can only be done in fall for plants purchased with their roots bare. Evergreen - thinly leathery, glossy leaves 2.5-6cm (1-2in) long.Height - 1m (39in) . To encourage blooms, prune right after flowering. You can also grow them as hedging or clipped into simple shapes. Never at the end of winter, or its spring-blooming would be compromised. Powdery mildew may appear in the spring mainly on new shoots. Hand pruners are for stems up to 1/2 inch in diameter and loppers for branches from 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter; use a pruning saw for anything larger. Bell-shaped, black-red flowers. 222879 / SC038262, Free entry to RHS members at selected So, planting this way ensures that a dense privacy screen grows. This lovely pittosporum with a plum coloured evergreen leaves is called \"Tom Thumb\" as it is smaller growing than the species. You can also grow the versatile shrub along a fence, wall, or decorate a border. The Royal Horticultural Society is the UKs leading gardening charity. Turners Pitt pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira Turners Variegated Dwarf). Iris. Protect from frost and winds. Shear them in the summer, beginning in their second or third year, cutting new growth back by one-half its length and leaving the shrub narrower at the top than the bottom. Pittosporum shrubs are ideal as hedging plants because they grow fast, have dense evergreen foliage, and are easy to prune. 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. A low bushy shrub with bronze-purple flushed leaves. Plus d'info juste ici Abonnez-vous et entrez dans la vie de notre ppinire en Bretagne ! Click here to learn how to give a great answer . The evergreen leaves are purple, which contrast the green new shoots. Transplant into the garden in the spring and keep the plant well-watered. High levels of humidity are well-tolerated. They contrast nicely with the pale green young growth and provide striking color year-round. '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, Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9, All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Tools suited to the size of the branches are easiest to manage and do the least damage to the shrub. If part of a hedge, keep a distance of around 32 to 40inches (80 to 100cm) meters) between pittosporum plants to give each the space it needs. Avoid pruning on very hot/wet days, and use a sharp cutting tool. Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil. 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle and many more. 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. We aim to enrich everyones life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device. The Silver Star pittosporum cultivar has clusters of small wavy-edged ovate-shaped glossy green leaves growing on black stems. While unusual, aphids can affect kohuhu. For example, Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball has bright green oval leaves. Step 2. Got a pittosporum whose top is reaching the guttering of our house, which must be a good 20ft or more high. Check that it will rest in well drained soil because it disdains stagnant water. Grow the shrubs along driveways, fences, or to accent taller shrubs. Delivery options. Kohuhu prefers moist, well-draining soils and can tolerate some maritime salt spray. 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 first in Spring, after all risk of frost has past, and the last in Autumn well before the risk of frost. Can anyone give me advice on how to maintain my Pittosporum Tom Thumb? Remove the lower branches if you wish to have a small tree appearance. Name Pittosporum The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm). She has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University, is an avid gardener and volunteers at her local botanical garden. With regular pruning, the pittosporum is also easy to maintain as a low-growing hedge. Do not prune in the fall because new growth stimulated by the pruning may be more easily damaged during the winter. They are fast-growing and will quickly form a hedge or screen. For example, a pittosporum hedge will thrive in zones 8 to 10. By planting a pittosporum hedge, you can grow a tall privacy screen in your backyard. With its vase-shaped canopy, pittosporum also makes an attractive small tree when the limbs from the lower one-third of the trunk are removed just above the branch collars -- the small swelling where they attach to the trunk. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Variegated pittosporum can reach 8 to 12 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide when planted in full sun to partial shade. In colder climates, pittosporum bushes are ideal container plants that are easy to grow on a patio, deck, or at the front of house. Planting should be done in spring or fall and the new shrub watered deeply for the first year. Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Do not prune in the fall because new growth stimulated by the pruning may be more easily damaged during the winter. City, Hedging/Screens, Beds and borders, Containers, Wallside and trellises, Drought Tolerant. 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. If you are going to prune the Pittosporum substantially wait until just before spring. Like all pittosporum plants, the mojo dwarf shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade. It's dropped it's leafs and some are handing on. Select fully-ripened fruit (wrinkly black) in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place. Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Sheen hedge. Not sure which Pittosporum - Kohuhu to pick? Share your garden joys & woes! Like other pittosporum varieties, the hedging plant produces lightly scented flower clusters that bloom in late spring. However, if growth slows, add a well-balanced (8-8-8 NPK) slow-release granular fertilizer around the drip line of the shrub in the early spring. This ensures that sunlight reaches most of the foliage. Often used as a hedge, the shrub can be kept at any height you like -- depending on how much you like to use your. When planting a pittosporum hedge in your garden landscape, space the plants around 3 ft. (1 m) apart. Information entered by Gardenality members is not endorsed by Gardenality, Inc. This article is a guide to the many types of pittosporums suitable for garden landscapes. Great low maintenance ornamental hedging, with a naturally globular habit: often grown as balls. Use a landscape pin to keep the branch firmly in place in the soil. It is densely branched, with slender stems which on young shoots are gray to nearly black. 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. We want to lower it, most likely by at least a third of it's current height, so probably down to about 10ft. Kohuhu varieties are easy-to-grow and maintain shrubs. If you choose a Pittosporum tenuifolium that is not compact, pruning will be necessary to maintain a hedge, however, the plants are low maintenance. Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. The Silver Star pittosporum cultivar is an ideal hedge or privacy screen in mass plantings. Is it okay to prune a wheeler's dwarf pittosporum without wrecking it's nice rounded shape? Avoid piling mulch directly against the base of the trunk. Provide the pittosporum plant 1 inch of water every five to seven days so it establishes a deep and extensive root system. All pittosporum love to be in the sun but 'Tom Thumb' and other dark leaved varieties are particularly wonderful because the more sun they get, the richer and darker the leaves become. Accept The affected leaves develop dark spots and eventually fall off. This versatile showy little shrub begins the spring with pretty light green new growth which mature to a dark eye catching deep purple foliage, the contrast between the two is very eye-catching and offers many creative garden design possibilities. The low-maintenance shrub has spatulate leaves 2 to 4 (5 10 cm) long. Any time you prune, but particularly when pruning diseased tissue, use a tool sterilized with isopropyl alcohol, a 10 percent bleach solution or household antiseptic cleaner. Some landscaping ideas for the Emerald Wave pittosporum include shrub borders, mass planting, or a specimen shrub or tree. I pruned it in spring but it is sad looking now with the new green growth growing through. In early spring, check for any winter damage and remove broken stems. 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 short stature of the evergreen Wheelers Dwarf Japanese pittosporum makes it ideal for growing underneath windows, in small groups as an accent plant, or as ground cover for full sun. Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb Hedge Plants. When the plant is potted, protect it from the cold for it to survive winter with no damage at all. If you prune them later in year the new foliage which grows as a response to pruning may be damaged more easily during the winter. Exposure full sun Alternatively, pair with ornamental grasses or other foliage plants such as choisya. Other features of this attractive shrub are clusters of white scented flowers and small orange fruits. Some pittosporum cultivars have variegated leaves with interesting shapes and textures. This reduces transplant shock by encouraging root growth near the trunk. Choosing evergreen shrubs to grow as a hedge is often a great solution to cut off curious onlookers or simply, Firethorn, aside from its superb foliage, also bears magnificent colored berries in fall. While kohuhu will tolerate partial shade, it will grow more vigorously in full sun. In that case, a dwarf pittosporum is ideal as a shrub border. However, if you'd like to give it a try, here's how: Container-grown kohuhu should be placed in a sheltered location away from strong winds. This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects. Container shrubs require frequent watering, especially during periods of higher temperatures. 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. 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. The most common problems are overwatering and planting in an area with too much shade. Like all pittosporum varieties, the Marjorie Channon requires little maintenance and grows in most soils. Overwintering requires no special care unless extremely cold temperatures or heavy snows are expected. You can usually use a strong jet of water to remove the pests from the foliage physically. Pittosporum bushes spread between 6 and 8 ft. (1.8 2.4 m) wide. Not sure which Pittosporum - Kohuhu to pick?Compare All Pittosporum - Kohuhu, Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Kohuhu). Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb dwarf size is ideal as attractive low hedge or in mass plantings, contrasting against green or variegated foliage of other shrubs or grasses. The Wheelers Dwarf Japanese pittosporum is a compact rounded hedging shrub with dense, glossy green foliage. Pittosporum is a group of evergreen shrubs or small multi-stemmed trees that are popular hedge plants. Sometimes, clusters of fragrant, tiny, black-red flowers appear in late spring and early summer. The densely growing tiny leaves mean that the Silver Sheen pittosporum is ideal for topiary. . According to the ASPCA, Pittosporum tobira is on the list of non-toxic plants. To grow as a dense living fence or privacy hedge, grow a Japanese pittosporum in well-drained soil. Foliage colour Bronze,. It can tolerate partial shade but should be in a sheltered site to protect it from strong winds, especially if planted in a container. Subscribe toBBC Gardeners World Magazineandget an essential Spring Bundle worth 44.97. Thanks for the feed advice as I will certainly do that. Pittosporum should be grown in a sheltered position in well drained fertile soil. Cut deeper into the plant to reduce the size to a more manageable level. It will also encourage new growth, which can be helpful if your plant is starting to look a bit leggy. Pittosporum tenuifolium/Landscape Plants. Pittosporum responds very well to heavy pruning. The cardinal rule when transplanting evergreens is to move the plant with the soil intact. The planting, pruning and care you provide this shrub will ensure the proper development of your pittosporum. Carefully dig up the rooted plant and transplant it to the new location. The low-growing shrub has clusters of spoon-shaped creamy-yellow and green leaves growing densely at the ends of branches. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' Tawwhiwhi Hardy Shrub FROM 11.99 90% (2 Reviews) Garden Club Members Price: FROM 10.79 JOIN TODAY Compact Slow-growing evergreen Perfect for adding colour and texture Delivery Information View Product Description Choose available pack sizes: Add To Basket Frequently bought with Select to add to basket This website is published by Immediate Media Company Limited under licence from BBC Studios Distribution. Until the plant is established, protect roots from frost by adding mulch around the base of the plant. Pittosporum, apart from its shy flowers, has simply beautiful leaves. The most common way to grow Pittosporum undulatum in landscapes is to trim it as a privacy screen or hedge. One of the beauties of pittosporum is that its a low-maintenance shrub and easy to grow in most garden landscapes. Water well to settle the surrounding ground around the rootball. The Japanese pittosporum is an ornamental evergreen shrub with leathery, spoon-shaped leaves, dense spreading foliage, and white scented flower clusters. The tiny oval leaves of the Silver Sheen pittosporum make this perfect for hedging. As a shrub, remove up to one-third of the tallest, oldest stems to the base to control the size of a pittosporum in early spring after all threat of frost if you don't care about the flowers, or wait until blooms fade. If the size of the shrub is beyond the capabilities of the gardener, its wise to hire a professional. It is not the recommended way to grow new plants. Common names for Pittosporum undulatum include Victorian box, Australian cheesewood, native daphne, and mock orange. So before undertaking the task of moving a pittosporum, gardeners should first ask themselves, Can I transplant pittosporum?. Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira). Japanese pittosporum shrubs are not poisonous for cats, dogs, or other animals. Within the nursery trade, you can find more than 25 cultivars of kohuhu ranging from tall-growing shrubs suitable for privacy hedges to compact, rounded forms for shrubbery beds and containers. As a florist plant, the shrubs are cut nearly to the ground each year to harvest the long stems for use in cut-flower arrangements. 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. Use a plant cover during extreme weather to prevent damage to limbs and foliage. The Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivar Marjorie Channon is an attractive ornamental shrub with a rounded habit and oval gray-green leaves with creamy-white margins. May need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds. Most gardeners have the ability to transplant smaller pittosporum shrubs. Pittosporum tenuifolium is the ideal shrub for screening, hedging, or borders in a warm, subtropical climate. Flower colour Black, Red. It needs frequent pruning to keep its size in check, especially when young. . Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets, Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp, Easy to grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. RHS Registered Charity no. In some countries, such as Australia, this pittosporum has become an invasive species. However, a DIY neem oil solution may not be as practical for treating a large hedge as a sharp blast of water from a hose. Emerald Wave pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Star). 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. Very versatile, this plant is perfect for. Favored for hedges, it thrives in full sun and frost-free temperatures like Pacific Northwest coastal gardens. Bulbs Sale; 3 For 2 - 5 Litre Potted Plants; Mystery Boxes; Fast Delivery. Prune in late winter or early spring. From all the popular hedge shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus), pittosporum is one of the fastest-growing plants for hedges. Pittosporum tenuifoliam species and cultivars are better suited to cool and temperate climates than tropical areas. Thanks KeenOnGreen. I grow mine under the canopy of a willow in a north-facing border that gets absolutely no sun in winter, and facing south in soil . 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. Soil ordinary. After 8 to 10 weeks, you can transplant the cutting into a large pot filled with a loam and sand mix. All the evergreen hedge needs is some light pruning to keep its shape, water during hot weather, and to ensure it grows in well-draining ground. Variegated pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira "Variegata") is a fast-growing shrub to small tree grown for its attractive white-edged, oval leaves. Marjorie Channon pittosporum grows 8 12 ft. (2.4 3.6 m) tall and up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide. If you do want to prune your Pittosporum the best times are between April and July. Select healthy young shoots growing near the ground. Neutral. 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. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Plant in full sun or shade and only water during summer if the weather is particularly hot and dry. Grow in a row at least 3 ft. (1 m) apart to create a tall evergreen privacy screen. While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb in a sunny, sheltered site in well-drained soil. Only plants will be removed from the collection. Plant in spring or fall and water well, weekly, until the root system establishes itself. Pruning 101 - A Guide to Pruning Your Garden; Offers. Cuttings from Pittosporum Tom Thumb. Kohuhu prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The pittosporum cultivar Golf Ball has a compact, rounded shape consisting of densely growing bright green oval leaves. To facilitate rapid healing of cut surfaces, prune these in late summer or early autumn instead. No reported toxicity to The leaves have a broad, rounded end and are spatulate or obovate shaped. If a standalone or part of a shrub bed, read out guidelines on. Small purple flowers appear on the shrub, but their dark color means they are almost unnoticeable. Often used as a hedge, the shrub can be kept at any height you like -- depending on how much you like to use your pruners. The rounded shrub has whorls of spatulate glossy green leaves with irregular creamy margins. Required fields are marked *. A superb and hugely popular variety of Pittosporum, Tom Thumb has so much to offer any garden. Early spring, prior to budding is the best time for transplanting pittosporum shrubs, but it can also be done in autumn. Remove the lower leaves, then coat the cut end with a. For example, you can grow it as a small tree with variegated foliage by removing lower stems. Several species of pittosporum have variegated cultivars. Prune regularly when young to create a dense growth. However, Pittosporum tobira Variegata has spoon-shaped dull green leaves with creamy-white margins. Useful for a color accent in mixed plantings, groupings, and even low hedges. Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' in a sunny, sheltered site in well-drained soil. The plant should be protected from harsh winds. In the landscape, however, this isn't necessary, though at times hard pruning to within a few inches of the ground is helpful to a pittosporum. Run electric shears over the top and sides of the pittosporum bush to create neat, smooth edges. Patricia Hamilton Reed has written professionally since 1987. Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. In the spring sow seeds individually in small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Mature shrubs require additional watering only during periods of drought. On Aug 23, 2002, Baa wrote: Tom Thumb is a dwarf cultivar of P. tenuifolium and forms a low growing shrub. To combat leaf spot, remove the leaves and dispose of them. Hardy in mild areas and seaside gardens, they may struggle in colder regions. With some shrubs, you avoid cutting through the leaves, such as laurel, as it looks terrible. I would like it to be smalleras it was when I first planted it, but it is overgrowing its space. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tandara Gold' (Kohuhu), Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Victoria' (Kohuhu), Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' (Kohuhu), Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum' (Kohuhu), Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Elizabeth' (Kohuhu), Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' (Smooth Hydrangea), Carex oshimensis 'Everest' (Japanese Sedge), Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' (Japanese Holly), Want Garden Inspiration? You will also learn how to grow this tough bush as an attractive shrub to protect gardens. From year three, start shaping the hedge and leave the base wider than the top. This easy-grow landscape shrubs low-growing, compact habit makes it ideal as an accent plant, container shrub, foundation planting, or border plant. Its elegant bearing, the tender green of its leafage and its nice blooming make this tree a must-have in our gardens. Regularly trimming a pittosporum hedge every spring helps maintain its height and promote dense foliage growth. The best time to prune kohuhu is in the spring. Horses, No reported toxicity to But while other plants likes acers, dog woods, and other shrubs have started to bud . Pruning is rarely required unless you wish to clip it to shape. Sign up for our newsletter. It's had the high honour of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. of mulch under the tree to preserve moisture and prevent weeds. Golf Ball pittosporum grows 3 to 4 ft. (1 1.2 m) tall and has a naturally round shape. Pittosporum prefer well-drained soil in full sun but they do tolerate some shade. GROWING PITTOSPORUM TENUIFOLIUM IN CONTAINERS Pittosporums are hardy in USDA growing zones 8 to 11, depending on the cultivar.