Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum

Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum or Variegated Pittosporum 
The Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegatum, also called the Variegated Pittosporum, features greyish green leaves that are delicately outlined in cream. The unusual colouration of the eye-catching foliage makes the shrub stand out in stark contrast against other commonly green garden plants.  An evergreen, the Variegated Pittosporum shrub retains its leaves throughout the year and adds wonderful visual interest to any landscape no matter what the season. New leaves appear and open up snow white before taking on their characteristic grey and cream shading. During the cold days of winter, it is not unusual for the creamy margins of the foliage to turn a soft pinkish tinge that gives the bush a blushing appearance. 
 
The stems of the Variegated Pittosporum are wiry and black. Its stems bend easily which makes them an optimum foliage choice to create flower bouquets, wreaths, and floral craft arrangements. During the months of June and May, a bevy of tiny purple flowers sprout across the bush that have a sweet, intoxicating scent. The flowers often draw a wide array of butterflies and bees to the garden. 
 
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum is a hardy evergreen shrub that tolerates frost well. It will grow in chalk, loam, or sandy soils with ease. It grows in alkaline, acidic or neutral soil conditions. Ideally, the shrub will thrive best when planted in fertile soil with a high humus content, however, the shrub’s tough characteristics make it a wonderful choice to plant where other finicky shrub types won’t do well. 
 
Prior to planting Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum, make sure the planting site is well-draining. Keep the soil around the shrub evenly moist for the first year but not overly wet while the shrub grows a strong root system. After the first year of growth, it will tolerate periods of drought well. 
 
For best growth results, plant Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum in an area where it will receive full sun. Once established, it requires very little care to thrive. It attains a height of 4 meters with a spread of 2.5 meters. Normally, the shrub will grow to its full height potential in ten to twenty years. This tough evergreen bush also thrives in coastal regions and can be used as a hedge or screen choice. 
 
If you are seeking a hedging plant or garden shrub specimen with an appearance that stands out from other landscape plants then look no further than the Pittosporum Tenuifolium Variegatum. Its subtle grey and cream foliage mixed with its black stem colours make it an exceptionally unique shrub or hedge choice that is sure to bring depth and shading to your garden setting.