Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golden Ball'
tawhiwhi 'Golden Ball'
A variegated shrub with golden-yellow foliage when young, contrasting with older yellow-green leaves. It has small, purple flowers in May and June which smell of honey. With its natural globular shape, and suitability for topiary, 'Golden Ball' is possible alternative to Buxus balls.
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Gold Yellow Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Gold Yellow Green | ||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Gold Yellow Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. Plat in a sheltered spot as may need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds.
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning Group 1
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, cushion scale and pittosporum sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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