Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Marjory Channon' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
tawhiwhi 'Marjory Channon
tawhiwhi 'Marjory Channon RHS / Joanna Kossak
Shrubs

A large, rounded, bushy, evergreen shrub to 4m with black stems and small, oval, grey-green leaves with a white border. Produces small, female, fragrant, maroon flowers in late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 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
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

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 full sun. Will grow in partial shade, but the leaves will be most colourful and wood will ripen better in an open, sunny position. Grow in the open in milder areas and in coastal gardens with shelter from the worst cold, drying winds. In colder gardens grow in a sheltered position such as a south- or west-facing wall, and protect roots in winter with a deep dry mulch

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe basal cuttings in summer, by basal hardwood cuttings in late autumn, or by layering or air layering in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1; if grown as a hedge, trim in spring and midsummer

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and leaf spot