Pittosporums collection

This is a collection of Pittosporum tenuifolium, three different varieties with elegant and diversely coloured foliage. These evergreen bushes also produce small dark red flowers in spring that emit a pleasant nocturnal fragrance of honey and vanilla. These pittosporums can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C in well-drained soil. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and are drought-resistant once established. They are excellent shrubs for coastal gardens. In colder regions, they make excellent patio plants to overwinter frost-free.

The collection consists of:

1 Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb': This compact cultivar reaches about 60 cm in height. Its dark purple foliage is highly decorative and forms a dense, rounded bush. Perfect for borders and small gardens, stunning in pots.

1 Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum': This variety stands out with its bright variegated foliage, light green with cream-white margins. Capable of reaching 2.5 m in height and 1.50 m in width, this shrub will bring brightness to a border or hedge.

1 Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Midget': Small and compact, with a columnar shape, 'Midget' does not exceed 80 cm in all directions. Its small leaves are light green and glossy. It tolerates pruning well and is an excellent alternative to boxwood edging in mild climates.

Plant these Pittosporum tenuifolium preferably in spring, in well-drained and slightly acidic soil. In a border, place the tallest plants, such as 'Variegatum', at the back, and the smaller ones, such as 'Midget' and 'Tom Thumb', at the front. Planting in the ground is reserved for regions with mild winters. Pittosporum tenuifolium also adapts perfectly to container gardening. Use a container of at least 30 litres with drainage holes, filled with Mediterranean plant compost. Water regularly, but not excessively. Add balanced fertiliser once a month during the growing season to promote their development.

Pair the smaller Pittosporum varieties with lavenders and Santolina chamaecyparissus, as these plants complement each other well. Helichrysum italicum, with its aromatic silver-grey foliage, is also an excellent companion for compact pittosporums. Also consider Erysimum 'Bowles Mauve', with its violet flowers and long flowering period.

In a coastal hedge, combine Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum' with other shrubs that are resistant to coastal conditions such as olearias, escallonias, and Myrtus communis 'Tarentina'. Plant 1 shrub every 1 m.