Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub, valued for its distinctive variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. It offers year-round visual appeal and is a versatile choice for various garden designs, serving as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant. Its relatively low maintenance requirements also make it a favored choice.
Key Characteristics
‘Marjorie Channon’ Pittosporum is a slow-growing, dense, evergreen shrub, typically reaching 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. It develops a rounded pyramidal habit.
Its most notable feature is its foliage: small, oval, light green leaves with creamy-white margins. These leaves are held on dark, almost black stems, providing a strong contrast.
In late spring to early summer, the plant produces small, bell-shaped, dark purple to black-red flowers. Though visually inconspicuous, they emit a honey-like fragrance, particularly in the evenings. This combination of variegated leaves and dark stems provides year-round interest and texture. Its dense growth also makes it effective for creating privacy or defining garden spaces.
Planting and Site Selection
Choosing an appropriate location is key for ‘Marjorie Channon’ Pittosporum. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, performing best in a sunny spot. Well-draining soil is crucial, as it is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is generally preferred, though it adapts to various soil types.
When planting, allow 6 to 8 feet of spread for its mature size. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its container, loosen any circling roots, and place it so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, firm it around the base, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Marjorie Channon’ Pittosporum is drought-tolerant, but benefits from deep watering during extended dry periods. Newly planted shrubs need consistent moisture, typically once or twice a week during their first growing season, to establish a strong root system. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leafy growth.
Prune to maintain shape, control size, and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for significant pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth. For hedges, regular light trimming throughout the growing season maintains form. Pruning also improves air circulation, contributing to overall plant health.
Pest and Disease Management
‘Marjorie Channon’ Pittosporum is generally healthy and often free from major disease issues. Root rot is a primary concern, typically occurring in poorly draining soils; proper site selection is crucial. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and plant decline.
Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and pittosporum sucker. Aphids cluster on new growth, causing distorted leaves. Scale insects appear as small bumps on stems and leaves, leading to yellowing and stunted growth. Pittosporum sucker can cause leaf distortion and sticky residue.
Regular inspection allows for early detection and treatment, such as washing off aphids with water or using horticultural oil for scale. Maintaining good plant hygiene and optimal growing conditions helps prevent most pest and disease problems.