Pittosporum tenuifolium - Height 20-35cm -2lt

Pittosporum tenuifolium is an evergreen shrub or small tree native cultivated for its attractive foliage and versatile growth habit. Belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, it is valued by gardeners and landscape designers for its year-round structure, tolerance of pruning, and suitability for hedging and screening.

Typically, Pittosporum tenuifolium grows to a height of around 4–10 metres, though in garden settings it is often kept smaller through regular pruning. It has a naturally dense and bushy form, with slender, dark brown to almost black stems that create an elegant contrast with its foliage. The leaves are small, oval, and slightly wavy at the edges, usually around 2–5 cm long. They are glossy and mid- to dark-green, although many cultivated varieties display variegated or coloured foliage in shades of silver, cream, lime green, or purple.

In late spring to early summer, the plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically deep purple to nearly black. Although the blooms are modest in size and often hidden among the foliage, they release a pleasantly sweet fragrance, especially noticeable in the evening. These flowers may later develop into small capsules containing sticky seeds.

Pittosporum tenuifolium is particularly appreciated for its adaptability. It grows well in a wide range of soils provided they are reasonably well drained, and it thrives in full sun or partial shade. In the UK climate it performs best in sheltered positions, as cold winds and severe frosts can occasionally damage young growth. Once established, however, it is relatively hardy and drought tolerant.

Gardeners frequently use Pittosporum tenuifolium for hedges, windbreaks, or ornamental specimen planting. Its tolerance of clipping allows it to be shaped neatly, making it suitable for formal garden designs as well as more naturalistic landscapes. With numerous cultivars available, it remains a popular choice for adding structure, colour, and evergreen interest to gardens throughout Britain.