Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star' – Planting & Care Guide

About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star' is a striking evergreen shrub grown for its vibrant variegated foliage and naturally compact, bushy habit. The glossy leaves feature rich green centres with bright golden-yellow margins, providing year-round colour and making it an excellent choice for adding light and contrast to the garden.

During late spring, mature plants may produce small, dark purple flowers with a light honey fragrance, hidden amongst the foliage. Growing to approximately 2–3 metres tall with a spread of 1.5–2 metres, 'Gold Star' is ideal for evergreen hedging, specimen planting, mixed borders and large patio containers. It responds well to pruning and can easily be maintained at a smaller size if required.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Choose a sheltered position protected from strong, cold winds.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve heavy soils with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen any circling roots.
• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a 5–8cm layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the main stem.
• Space plants 80cm–1 metre apart for hedging or 1.5–2 metres apart for specimen planting.

Care & Maintenance

Pittosporum 'Gold Star' is a low-maintenance shrub that provides year-round colour with minimal care.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry spells.
• Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Remove weeds from around the base regularly.
• Water container-grown plants more frequently during warm weather.
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging during winter.
• Protect young plants from severe winter winds in exposed locations.

Pruning

Regular pruning helps maintain a neat, bushy shape.

• Trim lightly in late spring or early summer after flowering.
• A second light trim in late summer may be carried out if required.
• Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches.
• Cut out any plain green shoots to maintain the variegated foliage.
• Avoid heavy pruning during autumn or winter.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star'
• Common Name: Gold Star Pittosporum
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 2–3 metres
• Spread: 1.5–2 metres
• Flower Colour: Small dark purple
• Flowering Period: May to June
• Foliage: Glossy green leaves with bright golden-yellow margins
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK in sheltered locations

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Pittosporum 'Gold Star' is a versatile shrub suitable for a wide range of planting schemes.

• Evergreen hedging
• Privacy screening
• Mixed shrub borders
• Specimen planting
• Coastal gardens
• Contemporary gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyard gardens
• Architectural planting
• Formal and informal gardens

It combines beautifully with Griselinia, Photinia, Hebe, Lavender, Fargesia, Hydrangeas, ornamental grasses and Japanese Maples.

Seasonal Interest

• Bright variegated foliage provides colour throughout the year.
• Fresh golden new growth appears in spring.
• Small, lightly scented flowers may develop in late spring.
• Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round screening and structure.
• The vibrant foliage brightens borders during autumn and winter.
• Regular trimming keeps the plant neat and full.

Common Problems

Pittosporum 'Gold Star' is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Young plants may experience wind scorch in exposed sites.
• Scale insects may occasionally appear on stems and foliage.
• Remove any all-green shoots to maintain the colourful variegation.
• Protect young plants from severe frost during their first winter in exposed gardens.

With its vibrant golden-edged foliage, naturally dense habit and year-round appeal, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star' is an excellent evergreen shrub for Irish gardens. Ideal for hedging, screening, borders or containers, it offers reliable structure, bright foliage and low-maintenance beauty throughout every season

• Size
  3 lt

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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