Pittosporum Tom Thumb 10L

Description

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ – kohuhu

Botanical name: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
Common names: Pittosporum, kohuhu
Family: Pittosporaceae
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Habit: Compact, dense, naturally rounded
Pot size: 10 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 0.75–1m tall × 0.75–1m spread
Foliage: Small, glossy, wavy-edged leaves emerging green and maturing to deep purple-bronze, forming a neat dome; evergreen
Flowers: Small, dark, honey-scented flowers may appear in late spring; grown mainly for its foliage and form
Scent: Foliage aromatic when crushed
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); best with shelter; USDA zones 8–10
Exposure: Warm, sheltered; good for mild and coastal gardens
Native range: Species native to New Zealand
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ is a compact evergreen forming a neat dome of glossy purple-bronze wavy leaves, the new growth fresh green. Striking and tidy, it is superb for foliage contrast, low hedging and containers.

GardenAdvice notes

A compact, dense evergreen from New Zealand, this dwarf pittosporum forms a neat, naturally rounded shape without any need for clipping, making it superb for structure, low hedging, containers and modern planting. Grown for its handsome small-leaved foliage and tidy form, it is a stylish, low-maintenance evergreen — though a little tender, so it appreciates a sheltered spot.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, in a warm, sheltered spot — it is excellent in mild and coastal gardens but needs shelter from cold, drying winds and hard frosts inland. It dislikes cold, wet soil. Ideal in borders, containers and low hedging. Water well while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Very low-maintenance, as it keeps its neat ball shape naturally with little or no pruning. Trim lightly in late spring if you wish to shape it or keep it especially tight. Protect from hard frost and cold winds in colder gardens, or grow in a pot that can be sheltered. Feed and mulch in spring.

Propagation

• Cuttings: Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a sheltered, well-drained spot. Its main vulnerability is cold, wet winters and hard frosts, which can damage or kill it in exposed inland gardens. Otherwise little troubled by pests.

Uses in the garden

Superb as neat evergreen structure and low balls in borders and modern plantings, as low hedging and edging, in gravel gardens, and in containers, especially in mild and coastal gardens; it clips well and needs little shaping.

Wildlife value

The small honey-scented flowers, where produced, attract bees and other pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

Pittosporum is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Tom Thumb’ earns its place for its rich purple-bronze foliage, made all the prettier by the fresh green new growth at the tips — lovely contrast against silver or gold neighbours, and it keeps a neat dome shape with little effort. The purple colour is deepest in good light, so give it a sunny but sheltered spot, and protect it from hard frost in cold gardens.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here