Pittosporum tendifolium 'Tom Thumb'

Should be ok as far as I know, I think Pittosporums are a lot tougher than given credit for Angie.

thanks Stephen, i think some can be a little bit on the tender side, not sure about this one, i was kind of looking at the second bit of the name 'tendifolium' lol

Such a great colour - Bluespruce is right though ... the New Zealand tenuifolium is regarded as one of the hardiest pittosporums.

oh thats fantastic... pleased about that.... so then what does the 'tendifolium' mean then? usually latin is quite self explanitory.... like urm....nudiflorus... just to give an example.... should'nt 'tendifolium' mean tender foliage?.... i just guessing ofcourse.. lol

It's 'ten-U-ifolium', Angie - so that's different! :-)))

Pay attention Angie :0)))

I didn't mean to be a 'teacher' again - sorry if it came out like that. :-(((( Just wanted to reassure you, Angie!

Only just caught up ... yes Spritz is right - I know this as 'tenuifolium'. Known as frost hardy but still needs some winter protection in harsh cold areas. I've seen the recommendation that in these areas it requires the shelter of a warm non-north or east facing wall, or to be container grown in harsh climates in north facing gardens.

I am quite concerned about my new one....maybe I'll post a question - the 'Silver Magic' one in my last blog, should I fleece that in its first year? Does this depend on how cold it gets?

I wouldn't think it necessary Barbara.

Spritz - the person talking about the care of these plants was mentioning winter temps. of 20 - 25 degrees F / -3 to - 6 C. Can't hurt to check it out with a question though. I have also seen that the former GOYer who has the Winsford Walled Gardens has a section on pittosporums on his winsfordwalledgarden website - could be helpful.

Thanks - I'll have a look, Bernie. :-)

I have Tom Thumb in a north facing border aswell as a tall variegated one and they're both fine with cold winter temps.
I have 2 more Pittosporums in the back too and they're all quite okay.
I have a hedge of variegated ones in the front garden and .... they're the same ...

I agree with Bluespruce, they're a lot tougher than they're given credit for.

I'm concerned as my new one ('Silver Magic') is so newly planted - and a magazine article mentioned it as not being as reliably hardy as others. My other Pittosporums are 'A1, four star' hardy! I don't want to lose this one.

I grew my very first Pittosporum (tenuifolium Purpereum) back in the late seventies, early eighties with no problems, we had some hard winters then, even in the south

Yes, that's one of mine (or is it 'Nigrescens'?). I do trust your judgement, BS, but do you believe what I'm being told - that the ones with smaller leaves are more susceptible?

No, i don't really agree with that.
All mine are small leaved.

I think as long as your new ones are planted nice and deeply and tucked up tight in there for the winter they'll be fine :-))

I had a friend that planted a variegated one too shallowly one autumn and the winter temperatures (or the winds) burned its leaves and they followed by dropping but it still made it through, so i think that's something !!!

Not trying to coerce you Barbara :0)))
If you are concerned about it, then I would protect it just to give yourself peace of mind.
With all this talk of Pittosporums, I've just been looking at some on the Internet, seems to be an explosion of very attractive new cultivars in recent years....Time to start another collection ??

:-))))))))))))))))))))
Sounds good to me ;-)

I have to admit that I spotted a green and gold one which was VERY tempting! :-)))))

Do you remember its name Spritz ?

No - sorry! I hurried past with my eyes averted....LOL.

LOL

I cooooouuuuulllllllddddd go back for another look???????? :-0))))))))))))

'Warnham Gold' and 'Abbotsbury Gold' have been around for quite a while and will reach to about 2 or 3 m. here. Silver ones like 'Garnettii' will make trees up to 5 or 6 m.

In case anyone's interested, 'tenuifolium' means thin leaved...

Thanks for that Bamboo....

Crikey, it's been so long that not only had I forgotten all about this question, but I'd also forgotten that 'tenuifolium' means thin leaved!

LOL.......