Description
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ is a dense, slightly tropical, medium sized evergreen shrub with an upright habit. It has green, narrow, oval, lush, variegated waxy leaves, with a red and cream perimeter with small dark purple flowers in the late spring to summer. During cold spells the red on the permitters deepens. Like most Pittosporums, it is widely underused as a hedge. The light foliage is easily capable of drawing the eye in darker urban areas adding light to the area. Furthermore, it fits in perfectly with informal cottage gardens supplying a light background to any beds or borders.
The wavy margins give an abundant effect, with the creamy, red perimeters catching the light. The dark stem allows a striking contrast to ensue making an eye catching hedge, with delicious, honey scented flowers in the spring, which intensifies in the evening.
The Pittosporum ‘Elizabeth’ loves free draining soil and full sun to partial shade. However, do not be scared off if you have clay. Visit our Planting guide on how to mitigate this. It has a ultimate height of 2.5-4m and a similar spread. The time taken to reach this from seed is approximately 10 to 20 years in perfect conditions with out pruning. Pittosporum foliage makes for the perfect flower arrangements click here to find out more.
Styles
As a hedge, Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ 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.
In less sheltered positions, heavier pruning may be necessary. It may also be prone to drying out and may need additional watering.
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
Hedges can have a number of advantages, such as supplying privacy and wildlife benefits. for more information 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
