PITTOSPORUM T. BANNOW BAY

Description and Characteristics

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Bannow Bay' is an elegant, evergreen shrub known for its compact habit, wavy-edged foliage, and attractive variegated colouring. This cultivar features small, rounded leaves in shades of pale green to silvery cream, flushed with soft pink to coppery tones, particularly in cool seasons. The effect is a bright, airy shrub that brings multi-season interest and textural contrast to both formal and informal gardens.

In late spring to early summer, the plant may produce small, chocolate-purple flowers, which are subtly fragrant and best appreciated up close. These are nestled among the leaves and are not the main ornamental feature, but they do provide an extra layer of seasonal charm.

'Bannow Bay' forms a naturally rounded, upright shrub, typically reaching 1.5–2.5 m in height and 1.2–2 m in width. It can be lightly clipped into shape, making it ideal for hedging, topiary, structural planting, or as a specimen shrub. Its compact nature and fine texture also lend it well to containers.

• Evergreen shrub with softly variegated green, cream, and pink foliage

• Wavy, small leaves and fine branching create a light, elegant effect

• Height: 1.5–2.5 m; Spread: 1.2–2 m

• Small, fragrant purple-brown flowers in spring

• Excellent for structure, colour contrast, and modern garden design

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Pittosporum 'Bannow Bay' is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow shrub that thrives in mild, sheltered conditions. It requires little pruning and is appreciated for its tolerance of pruning, coastal winds, and ability to maintain a neat habit.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Best variegation and colour tones in full sun

  • Tolerates light shade, though foliage colour may soften

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Will tolerate chalk, loam, or sandy soils

  • pH adaptable: grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline or acidic soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Water well in the first growing season to establish roots

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant

  • In containers, ensure adequate drainage and regular watering during dry spells

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser

  • Apply a mulch of compost around the base in spring to enrich soil and suppress weeds

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Requires minimal pruning—just a light trim to shape in late spring or early summer

  • Can be clipped for topiary or formal hedging

  • Remove any damaged or frost-affected growth in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4)

  • In colder or exposed areas, protect from severe frost and drying winter winds

  • Mulch roots and use fleece for young or container-grown plants in winter

Garden Uses, Companions, and Display Ideas

Pittosporum 'Bannow Bay' is a versatile shrub that offers evergreen texture, colour contrast, and a modern aesthetic. Its fine habit and manageable size make it a valuable structural element in garden designs.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for low hedging, backdrop planting, or specimen use

  • Great in modern and coastal gardens due to its form and wind resistance

  • Works well in containers, urban gardens, or as topiary balls

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Heuchera, Euphorbia, Lavandula, Salvia, and Phormium

  • Complements silver or purple foliage and grasses like Stipa or Festuca glauca

  • Blends well with other evergreen shrubs like Choisya, Photinia, or Euonymus

• Container Use:

  • Excellent for year-round container displays on patios or balconies

  • Use peat-free, well-drained compost with added grit

  • Keep trimmed and feed annually to maintain compact form

• Wildlife Value:

  • Flowers attract early pollinators, though subtly

  • Dense habit offers shelter for small garden birds and insects

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May suffer from leaf scorch or dieback in exposed, frosty conditions

  • Good air circulation and winter protection prevent most issues

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.