Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' — Bushy

Overview

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' 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 tenuifolium 'James Stirling' is a bushy, evergreen shrub belonging to the Pittosporum genus, known for its simple, leathery foliage and aromatic flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with well-drained soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for various garden settings such as city courtyards, coastal areas, and informal cottage gardens. 'James Stirling' is particularly valued for its winter interest and is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer.

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 tenuifolium 'James Stirling' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrub
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling'

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 tenuifolium 'James Stirling'?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' need?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' 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.

Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' hardy in the UK?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' 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 tenuifolium 'James Stirling'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.

More in the Pittosporum genus

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