Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' is a bushy, compact, rounded tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen, glossy foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include hedges, borders 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
- Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact, Rounded
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedges, Borders, Containers
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, drought resistant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning to maintain shape; best done in spring
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'?
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, drought resistant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' 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 'Tom Thumb'?
Light pruning to maintain shape; best done in spring.
How big does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' 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 'Tom Thumb'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
