Dwarf pittosporums are compact evergreen shrubs, valued for their neat growth habits and diverse foliage. These smaller cultivars of the broader Pittosporum genus are suitable for a variety of landscape designs, offering year-round visual appeal.
Why Choose Dwarf Pittosporums
Dwarf pittosporums are versatile plants with many garden benefits. Their compact nature suits smaller spaces, containers, or foundational plantings. They contribute texture and color with varied foliage, ranging from deep greens to variegated or purplish hues, providing year-round interest.
These plants are low-maintenance, requiring less frequent pruning than larger counterparts. They are effective for creating low hedges, defining borders, or as mass plantings. Many varieties also exhibit good drought tolerance once established and thrive in coastal conditions, adapting to various environmental challenges.
Popular Dwarf Pittosporum Varieties
Several dwarf pittosporum varieties are popular for their distinctive characteristics and suitability for various garden roles.
One widely recognized cultivar is Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’, an evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded habit. Its leaves emerge pale green, maturing to a striking deep purple, providing year-round color contrast. This variety reaches a height and spread of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm). It produces inconspicuous, honey-scented, dark red to black flowers in late spring or early summer.
Another notable dwarf is Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’, also known as ‘Wheeleri’. This cultivar forms a compact, mounding shrub, growing to 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. It features glossy, dark green, leathery leaves about 4 inches long. While the species Pittosporum tobira is known for fragrant, creamy-white flowers, ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ has inconspicuous or rare flowers and does not produce fruit.
Pittosporum crassifolium ‘Compactum’ is a dense, evergreen shrub that grows to 2 to 3 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Its light olive-green leaves are covered with grayish hairs on the underside, with new growth appearing a brighter yellow-green. This variety produces small, lightly fragrant maroon flowers in spring. It tolerates coastal conditions well and prefers occasional to regular watering, though it can withstand infrequent irrigation once established.
Pittosporum tobira ‘Cream De Mint’ is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that grows 24 to 30 inches tall and wide. This variety is characterized by glossy, mint-green leaves with creamy-white margins, offering a bright contrast. It produces clusters of orange-blossom-scented, creamy-white flowers in spring.
Care and Maintenance
Dwarf pittosporums prefer well-drained soil and adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey compositions. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, though variegated varieties may benefit from afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Avoid consistently soggy soils, which can lead to root rot.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, dwarf pittosporums tolerate drought but perform best with occasional watering, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering. Fertilize in early spring before new growth begins, using a slow-release granular fertilizer to encourage vigor and blooms.
Pruning is minimal due to their compact growth. Light shaping or removal of damaged branches can be done in mid-spring or late winter/early spring. To preserve flowers, prune immediately after blooming, as late pruning might remove next year’s buds. Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs, manageable with water spray or insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew or leaf spot can occur, treatable by improving air circulation, removing affected foliage, and ensuring good plant health.