Pittosporum Plants
Naturally neat and rounded, pittosporum is an easy going evergreen shrub with some serious flowering game in May and June (purple, honey scented). It makes a lovely, densely growing hedge, border feature or potted plant and can even be used for fancy @ss topiary shapes as a pest resistant alternative to buxus. All of ours are grown by John in the South Downs, guaranteeing you a super hardy and healthy plant that’ll be happy in all soil types. Even if you carve it into the shape of a squirrel.
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South Downs National Park
Meet John
110 years' expertise free with every plant
Straight from the capable hands of our shrub specialist John to your garden, you can be sure that each bush, hedge and plant is grown to last. Nurtured in the fields of the South Downs and professionally pruned for the best shape, these hardy feature plants will be adding structure, colour and variety to your garden for many years to come.
Pittosporum FAQs
What is pittosporum?
Pittosporums are evergreen shrubs or small trees with attractive foliage and scented flowers. They’re very versatile plants, ideal for use as hedging and topiary, in borders or grown in pots.
Is pittosporum suitable for growing in the UK?
Pittosporum originates from New Zealand and Asia, but thrives in the UK climate. They’re fully hardy and depending on the variety, can withstand temperatures right down to -10°C.
What is the best location for planting pittosporum?
The best place to plant your pittosporum is in a sunny, sheltered spot, although they also do well with a little partial shade. Make sure you plant yours away from harsh winds, as these can damage the foliage.
What type of soil does pittosporum need?
Pittosporum prefers a fertile, well drained soil but can tolerate most types, even sandy soil. Avoid clay soils and any waterlogged beds, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.
How often should I water pittosporum?
Water your pittosporum regularly when it’s newly planted, and for the first year. Once it’s established itself and had the chance to grow a good root system, it’ll be pretty drought tolerant. This means that you’ll only have to water during hot or dry weather.
How do I fertilise pittosporum?
To encourage healthy growth and nice bright foliage, feed your plant in early spring with a balanced, slow release plant food. Don’t overdo it though, as overfeeding can lead to excessive but weak growth.
When and how should I prune pittosporum?
Pruning your pittosporum lightly will help to keep it in good shape and encourage bushier growth. This should be done in later winter to early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches completely, then thin out areas of dense growth to promote good air circulation.
Can pittosporum be grown in containers?
Pittosporum looks lovely in containers, especially trimmed into neat shapes. Go for a large pot with drainage holes in the bottom, and use well draining potting mix or compost. Bear in mind that shrubs grown in pots will need more regular watering than those in the ground.
Is pittosporum suitable for hedging?
Pittosporum makes a great hedging plant, as it has the perfect combo of pretty foliage and a dense growth habit. Use it on its own or mix it with other shrubs for a more informal looking hedge.
How fast does pittosporum grow?
Pittosporum has quite a fast growth rate, at around 30-60cm per year depending on the variety, growing conditions and weather.
