Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' (f/v)
tawhiwhi 'Silver Queen'
A large, evergreen shrub with rounded greyish-green leaves narrowly margined with creamy-white. Small, fragrant dark purple flowers are sparsely produced in summer, followed by dark grey fruits containing sticky pulp
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green Grey Silver White Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver White Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver White Variegated | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver White Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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. May need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds. Plant in full sun for the best leaf effect
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.