Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum' (m/v)
tawhiwhi 'Variegatum'
An evergreen shrub, forming a bushy, upright, oval-shape. Dark stems contrast with variegated, grey-green, creamy-white margined leaves. Flowers from May-June, bearing honey-scented dark purple flowers
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black | Purple | Grey Silver Green Cream Variegated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Purple | Grey Silver Green Cream Variegated | |
| Autumn | Black | Grey Silver Green Cream Variegated | ||
| Winter | Black | Grey Silver Green Cream Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
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
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best planted in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. Plant in a sheltered spot as may need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds.
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning Group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, cushion scale and pittosporum sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.