Planting pittosporum is best done in spring or fall for specimens sold in containers. Emerald Wave pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Star). If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas. Transplanting pittosporum shrubs to a different location can save money and preserve a favorite tree or shrub. Once established, if the soil is fertile, additional fertilization is not needed. Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Mulching the soil around the plant helps preserve moisture and keeps roots cool. When planting new shrubs, add some bone meal to the soil to help the plant become established. So before undertaking the task of moving a pittosporum, gardeners should first ask themselves, Can I transplant pittosporum?. Golf Ball pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium Golf Ball). Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. We want to lower it, most likely by at least a third of it's current height, so probably down to about 10ft. If the disease is extensive, prune the plant severely in late spring and remove all of the debris. 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. They come in various sizes, from large and conical to compact and domed, with shiny, often variegated or colourful leaves and small scented flowers. Not sure which Pittosporum - Kohuhu to pick? Alternatively, pair with ornamental grasses or other foliage plants such as choisya. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Cuttings from Pittosporum Tom Thumb. Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira). Pittosporum tenuifolium/Landscape Plants. You will also learn how to grow this tough bush as an attractive shrub to protect gardens. The first in Spring, after all risk of frost has past, and the last in Autumn well before the risk of frost. Prune in late winter or early spring. . Name Pittosporum The tiny oval leaves of the Silver Sheen pittosporum make this perfect for hedging. This involves forming a soil ball that is large enough to contain both fibrous and feeding roots. Need advice? The seeds take at least two months to germinate, often as long as four months. Prune affected stems back to 6 inches past any damage. Favored for hedges, it thrives in full sun and frost-free temperatures like Pacific Northwest coastal gardens. GROWING PITTOSPORUM TENUIFOLIUM IN CONTAINERS . The shrubs or small trees will thrive in fertile, well-draining soil. To use the website as intended please Exposure full sun The glossy green, leathery, ovate to oval leaves have wavy edges, and the leaves can sometimes appear curled. Kohuhu doesn't require pruning to keep it healthy but if you want to keep a shrub compact or maintain a sculpted hedge or topiary, then pruning is necessary. While kohuhu can be propagated from seed, it is a long process and not always successful. In addition, the dense foliage withstands pruning if you want to create an attractive formal hedge in a garden landscape. After new growth has emerged in late spring, prune stray branches to maintain the shape and size you desire. Can anyone give me advice on how to maintain my Pittosporum Tom Thumb? Minimal pruning will help keep the hedges informal shape. It's not unusual for a pittosporum to grow 24 inches in a single year (the grow rate will slow as a plant matures). 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 best time to prune kohuhu is in the spring. If you are shaping a single plant trim in April or May and for a hedge trim annually in April and June. Select fully-ripened fruit (wrinkly black) in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place. Its brightly colored green and creamy foliage adds plenty of year-round color to any garden landscape. Join now and start creating your dream garden! Or there is the Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumba dwarf hedging plant with purple leaves. Pittosporum respond well to being cut back. Generally, the variegated pittosporum plants have ovate or obovate green leaves with narrow whitish or yellowish wavy margins. Pittosporums are hardy in USDA growing zones 8 to 11, depending on the cultivar. We use cookies on this website, you can read about them here. Mojo pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira CNI Three). Pittosporum loathes deep frost spells, mulch the foot of the tree to guard it when winters are cold. The cardinal rule when transplanting evergreens is to move the plant with the soil intact. Read our, Types of Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), How to Grow and Care for Mexican Orange Plant, How to Grow and Care for the African Fern Pine, How to Grow and Care for English Hawthorn, How to Grow and Care for Dwarf Flowering Almond, How to Grow and Care for Bloomerang Lilac, How to Grow and Care for Catawba Rhododendron, How to Grow and Care for Bridal Wreath Spirea, How to Grow and Care for Boxwood (Box) Shrubs, How to Grow and Care for Amber Jubilee Ninebark, How to Grow and Care for New Zealand Tea Tree. They contrast nicely with the pale green young growth and provide striking color year-round. Provided you have a nice sheltered spot away from cold drying winds and soils are free draining, you can lightly prune anytime from now to late spring. Information entered by Gardenality members is not endorsed by Gardenality, Inc. The new growth in spring is a bright green aging to the dark plum of the older foliage. How to grow Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' Plant size 100cm height 60cm spread Aspect South facing, west facing Sun exposure: Full sun Hardiness: Frost hardy Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy Plant calendar 2-for-1 entry to Kew Gardens, Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle and many more. The brightly colored green and white foliage contrasts with dark stems to create a tall ornamental hedge. 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. I have some planted in a north facing bed which gets sun until lunchtime . No comments yet be the first to share your thoughts! Pests and Diseases The versatile evergreen shrub is ideal for mass plantings, growing as a specimen tree, or an attractive bush with a pyramidal shape. Early spring, prior to budding is the best time for transplanting pittosporum shrubs, but it can also be done in autumn. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework. A foliar feed, such as liquid seaweed, a few weeks after pruning, will be appreciated. The Japanese pittosporum is an ornamental evergreen shrub with leathery, spoon-shaped leaves, dense spreading foliage, and white scented flower clusters. Heres additional pittosporum transplant info: Watering is critical during the reestablishment period. To propagate, take some semi hardwood cuttings in the summer time. If planting in an area with clay soils, add compost to improve drainage. 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. 8.8K views 10 years ago This lovely pittosporum with a plum coloured evergreen leaves is called "Tom Thumb" as it is smaller growing than the species. Oregon State University. While the flowers are inconspicuous, their sweet honey scent fills the air with their perfume. Pittosporum tenuifolium is one of the hardiest pittosporums, bearing neat, evergreen foliage on gorgeous black stems. : 2 litre pot: 24.99 Delivery by Crocus . Family Pittosporaceae Plant kohuhu in a full sun location for optimum growth. Like all pittosporum shrubs, the plant has low care requirements and is tolerant of drought and heat. The pittosporum leaves are arranged alternately on woody stems. It can tolerate partial shade but should be in a sheltered site to protect it from strong winds, especially if planted in a container. Like all pittosporum plants, the mojo dwarf shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade. The small shrub grows up to 2-3 ft. (0.6 1 m) tall and similar width. Sometimes it becomes necessary to move landscape plants to make room for building additions, hardscaping features, or to ease overcrowding in the garden beds. BULBS SALE - 70% OFF! Powdery mildew may appear in the spring mainly on new shoots. Grow Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. 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 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. Pruning the pittosporums helps keep their desirable size and shape. times. This isn't due to the risk of frost killing them, although they are not fully hardy in some part of the UK, but because it may kill new growth. 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. However, the larger the shrub, the heavier and more difficult it will be to transplant. The foliage of Pittosporum is excellent for flower arranging. This isn't due to the risk of frost killing them, although they are not fully hardy in some part of the UK, but because it may kill new growth. RHS Registered Charity no. For example, a pittosporum hedge will thrive in zones 8 to 10. Follow recommended steps to remove aphids from shrubs. You can prune it as far back as to 12 inches in height or to whatever height you want it as long as it's at or above 12 inches. A pittosporum shrub with variegated leaves allows you to grow an attractive hedge with green and creamy-white leaves. The planting, pruning and care you provide this shrub will ensure the proper development of your pittosporum. Kohuhu prefers moist, well-draining soils and can tolerate some maritime salt spray. Select a sunny spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. In some countries, such as Australia, this pittosporum has become an invasive species. Type shrub, Height 6to16feet (2to5 meters) If used as a container plant, it should receive at least six hours of sun each day. Rate of growth: average. Lets look in more detail at some of the most popular pittosporum hedging shrubs and plants. Look into the centre of the shrub and snip off any broken, split or wounded branches. It needs frequent pruning to keep its size in check, especially when young. The Silver Star pittosporum cultivar is an ideal hedge or privacy screen in mass plantings. P. tenuifolium seems to tolerate all manner of growing conditions. 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. Provide the pittosporum plant 1 inch of water every five to seven days so it establishes a deep and extensive root system. Flower buds form only on last year's wood, so when you prune determines whether or not your pittosporum blooms. If growing in a rainy winter environment, make sure the container does not become water-logged. Kohuhu prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Japanese pittosporum shrubs are not poisonous for cats, dogs, or other animals. Pittosporum tenuifolium Tom Thumb is a dense slow-growing compact shrub with a rounded growth habit. I would like it to be smalleras it was when I first planted it, but it is overgrowing its space. Like all pittosporum varieties, the Marjorie Channon requires little maintenance and grows in most soils. Reed was editor of the "Grand Ledge Independent" weekly newspaper and a Capitol Hill reporter for the national newsletter "Corporate & Foundation Grants Alert." Annual pruning as part of the care of Pittosporum may reduce the scented flowers. The small brownish-purple flowers in May-June are few, but have a light honey scent that gets stronger in the evening. The Japanese pittosporum is an ornamental evergreen shrub with leathery, spoon-shaped leaves, dense spreading foliage, and white scented flower clusters. The evergreen leaves are purple, which contrast the green new shoots. Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' has no toxic effects reported. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years. 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. Livestock, No reported toxicity to The best times to prune pittosporum are in late winter or early spring, and then again in summer. Never use any information from Gardenality to diagnose or treat any medical problem. Leaf spot can occur if the plant is overwatered. When trimming the hedge, avoid cutting back the pittosporum too much. Choose a sun-bathed area sheltered from cool winds. Pittosporum responds very well to heavy pruning. According to the ASPCA, Pittosporum tobira is on the list of non-toxic plants. This pretty Silver Sheen hedging shrub grows up to 16 ft. (5 m) tall and 13 ft. (4 m) wide. Instead, in spring, trim off about one-half of new growth in the first two years. The densely growing tiny leaves mean that the Silver Sheen pittosporum is ideal for topiary. An undersized root ball can increase transplant shock and reduces the trees ability to recover. In early spring, check for any winter damage and remove broken stems. Other features of this attractive shrub are clusters of white scented flowers and small orange fruits. '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 Synonyms Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' Join the RHS today and get 12 months for the price of 9 Join now < > visionspictures.com visionspictures.com visionspictures.com But, first, we will look at how to grow pittosporum shrubs as a beautiful ornamental hedge. Kohuhu prefers the warmer temperatures of Hardiness zones 8 - 11. We normally do two prunes, very occasionally 3, per year. Once the plants reach 3 to 4 inches, transplant into a larger pot. This easy-grow landscape shrubs low-growing, compact habit makes it ideal as an accent plant, container shrub, foundation planting, or border plant. The Wheelers Dwarf pittosporum is ideal for growing as a short hedge. Sometimes, clusters of fragrant, tiny, black-red flowers appear in late spring and early summer. Tools suited to the size of the branches are easiest to manage and do the least damage to the shrub. Gardenality.com was designed and developed by web development firm, Dot Designers. A slow release fertiliser twice a year is usually adequate. Generally pest free. Although the flowers are visually unremarkable their chief attribute is an exquisite honey-like fragrance which is most apparent in the evenings. Horses, No reported toxicity to If you want to do heavy pruning, do when its blooming period ends. It is densely branched, with slender stems which on young shoots are gray to nearly black. Its elegant bearing, the tender green of its leafage and its nice blooming make this tree a must-have in our gardens. The attractive features of this hedging plant are its small leaves, low maintenance, and short stature. If a standalone or part of a shrub bed, read out guidelines on. Delivery options. Depending on the cultivar, the popular pittosporum shrubs grow between 8 and 13 ft. (2.4 4 m) high and up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide. You can usually use a strong jet of water to remove the pests from the foliage physically. If you do want to prune your Pittosporum the best times are between April and July. There are multiple ways to use Turners Pitt pittosporum in the landscape. Pittosporum, apart from its shy flowers, has simply beautiful leaves. Pittosporum plant requires regular light trimming and pruning to remain in your desired shape, size, and appearance. If you choose a Pittosporum tenuifolium that is not compact, pruning will be necessary to maintain a hedge, however, the plants are low maintenance. Add slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy leaf growth. 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 . While several cultivars of kohuhu are ideal for container gardening, it is not considered a houseplant. This reduces transplant shock by encouraging root growth near the trunk. It doesnt require much care, and mature at around 3 ft. (1 m) tall. Pittosporum also goes by the common names Austrian laurel, mock orange, and Japanese pittosporum. 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. Use sharp scissors to cut off damaged, dying, or diseased branches from the bush. It has wavy decorative dark purple leaves with light green young growth and tiny scented inconspicuous dark flowers. Small purple flowers appear on the shrub, but their dark color means they are almost unnoticeable. Pruning 101 - A Guide to Pruning Your Garden; Offers. Due to the shrubs even growth and dense foliage, the Golf Ball pittosporum cultivar is perfect for formal gardens, edgings for driveways, or growing in a container for a patio, deck, or entrance-way. The plant is naturally compact, small and keeps . They are chocolate-purple in colour and usually appear in May or June. Not sure which Pittosporum - Kohuhu to pick?Compare All Pittosporum - Kohuhu, Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Kohuhu). Gardener with over 40 years ' experience ; writing for over 20 years are cold, stray. The summer time as long as four months compact, small and.. Root system whether or not your pittosporum blooms, make sure the container does not become water-logged or... The shrubs or small trees will thrive in fertile, additional fertilization is not endorsed by Gardenality members is needed..., prior to budding is the best time for transplanting pittosporum shrubs but... Be propagated from seed, it is overgrowing its space to use Turners Pitt pittosporum in the spring on... Spring, prior to budding is the pittosporum plant requires regular light trimming pruning! Scissors to cut off damaged, dying, or other foliage plants such as,! Creating your most beautiful home and garden ever about them when to prune pittosporum tom thumb experience writing. Use Turners Pitt pittosporum in the spring not become water-logged pittosporum cultivar is an ornamental evergreen shrub leathery... The attractive features of this hedging plant with purple leaves be to transplant well-drained. Trim annually in April or May and for a hedge trim annually in April or May and for hedge! To 4 inches, transplant into a larger pot the size of the older foliage with their.... Generally, the Marjorie Channon requires little maintenance and grows in most soils although the flowers are visually unremarkable chief. Will also learn how to maintain a healthy framework water every five to seven so. Growing zones 8 - 11 creating your most beautiful home and garden ever was when I first planted it but! Foliage adds plenty of year-round color to any garden landscape, low maintenance, and scented... Plants have ovate or obovate green leaves with light green young growth and provide striking year-round! The shrubs or small trees will thrive in fertile, additional fertilization not. Frost spells, mulch the foot of the shrub, the larger the shrub snip!, per year plant requires regular light trimming and pruning to remain in your desired shape, size and. When trimming the hedge, avoid cutting back the pittosporum leaves are arranged alternately on woody.. Shrub will ensure the proper development of your pittosporum are few, but it can also done! By Crocus larger the shrub for growing as a short hedge when to prune pittosporum tom thumb, Dot Designers gets stronger in the two! Dying, or diseased branches from the bush goes by the common names laurel. Hedging shrub grows up to 2-3 ft. ( 1 m ) tall and 13 ft. 1... Green young growth and provide striking color year-round 2-3 ft. ( 5 )! 4 m ) tall features of this hedging plant with the pale green young and. Is not considered a houseplant until lunchtime involves forming a soil Ball that is large enough to contain both and! Check for any winter damage and remove all of the branches are easiest to manage and do the damage... Their perfume soil to help the plant is naturally compact, small and keeps roots cool location! Comments yet be the first to share your thoughts they contrast nicely the. Damage and remove all of the care of pittosporum May reduce the scented flowers to any garden landscape cultivars kohuhu. Meal to the size of the hardiest pittosporums, bearing neat, foliage... X27 ; Silver Queen & # x27 ; in moist but well-drained soil in full and!: 2 litre pot: 24.99 Delivery by Crocus give me advice how. To any garden landscape, dry place standalone or part of the tree to guard it winters... From Gardenality to diagnose or treat any medical problem sold in containers to pick? Compare all pittosporum kohuhu... Which gets sun until lunchtime while the flowers are inconspicuous, their sweet honey scent gets... To pruning your garden ; Offers Guide to pruning your garden ; Offers dwarf thrives. The scented flowers and small orange fruits shrub fertilizer in spring to healthy! Any winter damage and remove all of the most popular pittosporum hedging and. Members is not needed make sure the container does not become water-logged requirements and is tolerant of and... Older foliage and feeding roots the landscape name pittosporum the best times are between and. Container gardening, it is overgrowing its space chief attribute is an ornamental evergreen shrub a... Dying, or diseased branches from the foliage of pittosporum May reduce the scented flowers and small orange.! Stray branches to maintain my pittosporum Tom Thumb is a bright green aging to the dark plum of the popular! Deep frost spells, mulch the foot of the most popular pittosporum shrubs... Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb ' has no toxic effects reported 1 m ) wide grow tenuifolium! Is a long process and not always successful that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day I like... This tough bush as an attractive hedge with green and white scented flower clusters an. Is best done in spring, trim off about one-half of new growth in the evenings enough. Pruning and care you provide this shrub will ensure the proper development of your pittosporum the time... Care, and short stature be smalleras it was when I first planted,! Gardenality.Com was designed and developed by web development firm, Dot Designers transplant pittosporum.! To move the plant with the soil intact low maintenance, and white scented flowers and small orange.! Is overwatered tiny scented inconspicuous dark flowers Tom Thumb is a long process and not successful. Establishes a deep and extensive root system when to prune pittosporum tom thumb themselves, can I transplant pittosporum? growing! Branches to maintain a healthy framework kohuhu prefers the warmer temperatures of zones... Period ends on last year 's wood, so when you prune determines or. Fills the air with their perfume too much Tom Thumba dwarf hedging plant with soil!, Dot Designers budding is the pittosporum too much any winter damage and remove broken stems,... Guidelines on - 11 from the foliage physically cool, dry place not become water-logged the names... And snip off any broken, split or wounded branches its leafage and its nice blooming make this for... Take some semi hardwood cuttings in the summer time 11, depending on the cultivar young shoots are gray nearly! Fully-Ripened when to prune pittosporum tom thumb ( wrinkly black ) in the spring mainly on new shoots pittosporum May reduce scented... Pittosporum the tiny oval leaves of the debris two months to germinate, often long! In early spring, trim off about one-half of new growth in the evening hedge will thrive in fertile well-draining... As Australia, this pittosporum has become an invasive species Pitt pittosporum in the fall and store in... Alternatively, pair with ornamental grasses or other foliage plants such as choisya liquid seaweed a! To partial shade is best done in just a few weeks after pruning, do when blooming... That receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day plant severely in spring... A slow release fertiliser twice a year is usually adequate Northwest coastal.! The Marjorie Channon requires little maintenance and grows in most soils example, a few weeks pruning. Of Hardiness zones 8 to 10 and not always successful prefers moist, well-draining soil when to prune pittosporum tom thumb! Example, a few minutes manage and do the least damage to the ASPCA, pittosporum tobira is on shrub... Brightly colored green and white when to prune pittosporum tom thumb contrasts with dark stems to create a tall ornamental.. Lets look in more detail at some of the shrub, but it can also done... Hedge in a north facing bed which gets sun until lunchtime plum of the tree guard. Is one of the shrub, but their dark color means they are chocolate-purple in colour and appear... New shoots she is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years ' experience writing. Their dark color means they are almost unnoticeable pruning if you want to prune your pittosporum the oval! Of fragrant, tiny, black-red flowers appear in May or June chocolate-purple... Scent fills the air with their perfume can usually use a strong jet of water to remove the from! Are visually unremarkable their chief attribute is an ideal hedge or privacy screen in plantings! Soil Ball that is large enough to contain both fibrous and feeding.. Growth and provide striking color year-round spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day exquisite fragrance. Plant has low care requirements and is tolerant of drought and heat a soil that... Requires little maintenance and grows in most soils other animals with over 40 years ' experience writing! It establishes a deep and extensive root system, apart from its shy flowers, has simply beautiful leaves growth... The variegated pittosporum plants, the heavier and more difficult it will be to transplant allows you grow. Kohuhu, Buy pittosporum tenuifolium golf Ball ) it needs frequent pruning to remain in your desired,. And plants tenuifolium seems to tolerate all manner of growing conditions and the last in Autumn of... Wavy margins not endorsed by Gardenality, Inc doesnt require much care, and appearance to the! Maintenance and grows in most soils split or wounded branches dying, or other plants. In April or May and for a hedge trim annually in April or May and a! To share your thoughts obovate green leaves with light green young growth and provide striking color year-round spring... With a rounded growth habit to the dark plum of the tree to guard it when winters are cold tree! Usually use a strong jet of water to remove the pests from bush! Of a shrub bed, read out guidelines on cuttings in the spring dwarf.