Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Oliver Twist'

RHS Plant Profile
tawhiwhi 'Oliver Twist'
tawhiwhi 'Oliver Twist' RHS / Joanna Kossak
Shrubs

'Oliver Twist' is a large, upright, evergreen shrub with pale, silvery-green leaves, most of which have a wave or twist, carried on thin, black stems. Inconspicuous but fragrant, dark red flowers appear in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pittosporaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with protection from cold, drying winds

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)