Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' is a bushy, clump forming tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen plants, hedging, coastal gardens and containers. 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, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plants, Hedging, Coastal gardens, Containers
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen'
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering, Air layering
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Cushion scale, Pittosporum sucker
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen'?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' 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 big does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' 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 Queen'?
Semi-ripe cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering, Air layering.
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