Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' Care Guide

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its striking deep purple foliage and rounded growth habit. Its fresh green new growth contrasts beautifully against the darker mature leaves, making it an excellent choice for mixed borders, low hedging, containers, or as a standalone feature. Low maintenance and easy to grow, it is ideal for adding texture and color to the garden all year round.

Planting and Positioning

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. More sunlight enhances its deep purple foliage color.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential; thrives in loamy, sandy, or chalky soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid waterlogged areas.
• Container Growing: Grows well in pots; use a free-draining soil mix and ensure the container has proper drainage.
• Spacing: If planting in a border or as a hedge, space plants 50–75cm (20–30 inches) apart for a dense, bushy effect.
• Shelter: Hardy but benefits from a sheltered position in colder regions to protect against harsh frosts and strong winds.

Watering, Feeding, and General Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first year after planting to establish strong roots.
  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering in prolonged dry periods.
  • Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

• Feeding:

  • In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
  • Mulching around the base in spring with compost or organic matter helps retain moisture and improve soil health.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid direct contact with the trunk.

Pruning and Long-Term Care

• Pruning:

  • Best pruned in late spring or early summer to maintain its compact, rounded shape.
  • Remove any dead, damaged, or untidy growth to encourage bushy, healthy foliage.
  • Light trimming will enhance the deep purple color by stimulating fresh green shoots.

• Overwintering:

  • Hardy in mild climates, but in colder areas, protect from severe frost with fleece or by planting in a sheltered position.
  • If growing in a pot, move to a protected spot or a cold greenhouse in winter if temperatures drop significantly.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally trouble-free, but may occasionally be affected by aphids or scale insects.
  • Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like leaf spot.

With its stunning purple foliage, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' is a fantastic addition to any garden, providing year-round interest and easy care.

• Size
  3 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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