Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’

Description

A southern hemisphere pittosporum from New Zealand, this is a vigorous male cultivar. Small, nearly black flowers provide deliciously fragrant inspiration in spring and the shiny, wavy edged, light blue-green leaves — variegated with white edges, pink flushed especially in winter — contrasting with purplish stems provide a nice texture year round. A large shrub to small tree, possibly to 25 ft, but more probably remaining 10-12 ft x 6-8 ft, it can be easily trimmed as a hedge. Enjoying regular summer water, they are best in well-drained soil in sun or part shade, perhaps with extra protection of a south wall or overstory where temperatures dip into the teens regularly. Frost hardy to 10F, USDA zone 8, with good protection.

ELIZABETH KOHUHU

Pittosporaceae