Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' is a bushy, compact, dense tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, leathery leaves foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedging, topiary and container planting. It is native to New Zealand.
About
Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand – growing up to 10 m (33 ft) – commonly known as kōhūhū and black matipo, and by other Māori names kohukohu and tawhiwhi. Its small, very dark, reddish-purple flowers generally go unnoticed, and are scented only at night.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum tenuifolium
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
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact, Dense
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy, Leathery leaves
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- hedging, topiary, container planting
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerates some shade; protect from strong winds
- Pruning
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball'?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; tolerates some shade; protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball'?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball'?
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
How big does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
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