Description
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is a small evergreen tree/shrub. As a hedge the ‘Silver Queen’ supplies an alternative, attractive aesthetically pleasing hedge. It is hugely underused in hedging which. This is one Gavin’s favourites as it adds plenty of light to the garden. It is very similar to but has slightly narrower leaves than the Pittosporum ‘Garnettii’.
It has an ultimate height of 2.5-4m and a spread if 1.5-2.5m over 20 years if left untrimmed. Reaching c. 180cm after 10 years from seed.
The lightly coloured, small leathery leaves have a creamy white perimeter, making a background which is perfect if you are trying to create a contrast with darker plants such as Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ and Acanthus mollis. Please feel free to call if you wish to add these to your order.
Pittosporum ‘Silver Queen’ is an RHS award worthy plant. It was given an Award of Garden Merrit in 1993.
Pittosporum ‘Silver Queen’ likes well drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They typically have a five-petaled bell like flowers which are honey scented which become more fragrant in the evenings. These are succeeded by spherical, woody fruits with seeds embedded in their sticky pulp. Pittosporum foliage makes for the perfect flower arrangements. Click here to find out more.
Please visit our planting guide for more information on how to mitigate soil which drains less freely.
Styles
As a hedge, Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ goes incredibly well in urban areas, costal, cottage and mediterranean styled gardens.
As a shrub, pittosporum goes well in beds/borders, wall side borders, walled gardens, city and courtyard, informal, cottage, mediterranean gardens.
Pruning
In a sheltered position it requires little to no maintenance. Take out unwanted, crossing or congested shoots. Pittosporum can be pruned at any time of year, however for a hedge I would suggest early spring or summer.
In less sheltered positions, heavier pruning may be necessary. It may also be prone to drying out and may need additional watering.
RHS Hardiness H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5).
There are many advantages to having a hedge. For more information on why to buy a hedge visit our Why Buy a hedge? page.
Buying a hedge can be confusing as many plants come in different formats. Potted plants come with an established root system. For more information visit our Why buy a potted plants for a hedge? page.
Other Pittosporum are available at Hedge Xpress including: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ the leaf has a red perimeter; Pittosporum Tenuifolium; Pittosporum Tenuifolium Garnetti which has rounder leaves.
They make an excellent choice in costal and more sheltered environments and can be trimmed into neat hedges or used as feature trees. Moreover, they thrive in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
