An upright pittosporum with tiny silvery-grey leaves on dark stems, giving a fine, shimmering texture. Fast and slender, perfect for screening hedges and feature foliage.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About James Stirling Pittosporum
Botanically, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling' is a fast-growing shrub in the Pittosporaceae family. It reaches around 3.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage.
Where to grow James Stirling Pittosporum
James Stirling Pittosporum suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
James Stirling Pittosporum does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
James Stirling Pittosporum is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune James Stirling Pittosporum in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using James Stirling Pittosporum in the garden
James Stirling Pittosporum earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, clipping into topiary and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair James Stirling Pittosporum with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying James Stirling Pittosporum
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