Pittosporum tenuifolium (Tawhiwhi )

Botanical name

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Other names

Tawhiwhi

Genus

Pittosporum Pittosporum

Species

P. tenuifolium - P. tenuifolium is a rounded, evergreen shrub that has glossy, green leaves with wavy margins. From late spring to early summer, it produces a scattering of small, fragrant maroon flowers.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

The flower is scented.

Habit

Bushy, Cushion or Mound Forming, Rounded

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

Colour

Flower

Maroon in Spring; Maroon in Summer

Foliage

Green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Tawhiwhi ) will reach a height of 7m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

City, Hedging/Screens, Beds and borders, Containers, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect in colder parts from cold, drying winds.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Tawhiwhi )

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Tawhiwhi )

Common pest name

; mango aphid

Scientific pest name

Aphis odinae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Aphid pest unlikely to survive in the UK and considered to be little or no pytosanitary risk.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/