Overview
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 6 metres tall. Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
About
Pittosporum ralphii, also known as karo, soft karo, or Ralph's desertwillow is a small tree up to 6 m (20 ft) tall. Pittosporum ralphii is native to New Zealand.
About the genus
Pittosporum is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. Plants in the genus Pittosporum are shrubs or trees with leaves arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers are arranged singly or in cymes, with white to yellow petals fused at the base forming a short tube, with stamens that are free from each other.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pittosporum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pittosporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 6 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Cushion scale, Pittosporum sucker
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe'?
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' need?
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' grow?
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' reaches a height of 6 metres.
Is Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Pittosporum ralphii 'Green Globe'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
