Description
Pittosporum Hedges
Pittosporum is an evergreen hedging plant with decorative leaves. Over the last twenty or so years, the popularity of Pittosporum with florists and flower arrangers has grown to the extent it is now a firm favourite. More recently, foliage has become an increasingly appreciated aspect of the art, and consequently Pittosporum has become a must-have. Aesthetically, the glossy (and often variegated) leaves, the contrasting dark stems and small fragrant flowers are pleasing enough on their own to explain and justify Pittosporum’s popularity. However, it has other attributes that make it ideal for the science as well, as art, of floristry:
– The leaves are sufficiently thick and glossy to retain water and withstand a little abuse. They won’t spoil an arrangement by flopping over
– The leaves are long-lasting and will outlive just about any cut flower in the same arrangement
– The stems are thin, but woody and therefore strong. Consequently, they can be cut and placed with precision
– The stems are perfectly happy in Oasis
– The leaves grow densely and can be used for both large scale filling when a clump is cut further down a main stem or for precise decoration by cutting individual stems of just two or so leaves
– All Pittosporums are evergreen and foliage can be cut 365 days a year
– Pittosporum can be used in all types of flower arrangements – posies, classic bouquets, modern hand-ties, table and pedestal arrangements etc.
How to use Pittosporum in Flower Arrangements
Here are a couple of tips for using Pittosporum in flower arrangements:
– Cut from the growing plant with sharp scissors or secateurs on the diagonal and then split the cut stem 1cm-2cm up its length
– If time allows, place the stems in cold water overnight. Add some flower food if you have it
For home flower arrangers, having a selection of Pittosporum growing in the garden is horticulture’s ultimate win-win – glorious plants for indoors as well as out.
