Pittosporum is a hardy shrub which has a vast array of shape colour and form. From small rounded balls to large variegated crinkled leaves to hardy coastal varieties. Due to its fast growth rate and hardiness it is often used a stand alone feature, screen, wind break, hedging or even topiaries.
Planting Calendar
Pittosporum can be planted throughout the year but does best when planted in Spring and Autumn, giving it time to establish its roots before the heat of summer.
Prepare
Position
Pittosporum is tolerant of many situations, talk to our team at your local Kings store for the right plant for your situation
Soil
When planted into the ground Pittosporum likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and 24 plus fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and will help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant in Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and a healthy immune system. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect against sucking and chewing insects by spraying with Groventive Systemic Insecticide or for an organic option spray with Bugtrol.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture
Pruning
If growing as a hedge, regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Pruning 3 times a year in spring, summer and autumn is best. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
If planting as a hedge, space plants 0.8-1m apart. For a quicker hedge plant closer together.
Expert Tip
Pittosporum can be troubled by scale insect. Black sooty growth on the leaves is a sign that scale is present. Treat the scale to treat the sooty mold.
Top Varieties
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Can grow up to a meter each year in the right conditions so makes a great feature or hedge. Tolerant of wind, drought (once established) frost and coastal conditions. In spring tenuifolium has a small purple scented flower. Grows to 5m x 3m.
Pittosporum stephens island
This guy is a tuffy, a native shrub that will grow just about anywhere including dry, windy coastal sites. Thick Leathery rounded grey green foliage that trims well making it a hardy hedge or screen. Fragrant flowers in spring followed by berries which will bring birds to the garden. Evergreen that grows up to 2.5m x 2.5m.
Pittosporum Golf Ball
This little beauty is a dwarf compact form that is fantastic for containers and natural low balls and hedges. It comes in various foliage colours from light jade green to silver and gold. Grows to 1m x 1m.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Pittosporum grow?
Pittosporum grows at a moderate rate, typically adding about 30-60cm of growth per year, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
How often should I water my Pittosporum?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
When is the best time to prune Pittosporum?
If growing as a hedge, regular pruning is essential if you want to create a dense, well-structured hedge. Pruning 3 times a year in spring, summer and autumn is best. Ensure that you use sharp tools to avoid brown jagged edges on the leaves.
How do I propagate Pittosporum?
Pittosporum can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer to early autumn. Use rooting hormone and provide a humid environment for the cuttings to encourage root development.
What type of fertiliser should I use for Pittosporum?
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and a healthy immune system. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
