Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’ RP – A Compact Evergreen with Silvery Glow

The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’ RP is a beautifully compact evergreen shrub that adds structure, colour, and elegance to any garden. As its name suggests, this variety naturally forms a neat, ball-shaped mound without the need for regular pruning, making it a perfect low-maintenance option. Its standout feature is the silvery-grey foliage, which catches the light and provides a soft shimmer in the garden, offering contrast against darker evergreens and flowering plants.

With its naturally rounded habit and year-round appeal, ‘Silver Ball’ is an excellent choice for modern and traditional gardens alike. It’s equally effective as a specimen plant, in containers, or planted en masse for a stylish, contemporary look.

General Information

‘Silver Ball’ is a carefully bred cultivar of Pittosporum tenuifolium, chosen for its compact form and striking foliage.

• Habit: Naturally rounded, compact evergreen shrub with dense growth.

• Height & spread: Typically 80–100cm tall and wide, maintaining its spherical shape.

• Foliage: Small, silvery-grey leaves with a soft, luminous sheen.

• Flowers: Tiny, honey-scented, deep purple-brown flowers in late spring to early summer; subtle but fragrant.

• Position: Best in full sun to partial shade; silvery foliage looks brightest in sunny spots.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates clay or sandy soils if not waterlogged.

• Hardiness: Hardy in most regions, though may need shelter in colder or exposed gardens.

• Uses: Perfect for containers, borders, modern landscaping, low hedges, or as a year-round feature plant.

Its naturally tidy growth makes it an attractive alternative to clipped topiary, giving the look of a carefully shaped shrub without the maintenance.

Care Guide

‘Silver Ball’ is easy to grow and requires very little effort to look its best.

Planting

• When to plant: Spring or autumn are best, though container-grown plants can be planted year-round if the soil is workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space around 60–80cm apart in borders.

• Preparation: Enrich soil with compost before planting; for containers, use a multipurpose compost mixed with grit for drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water well after planting and regularly during the first year to establish roots.

• Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant but benefits from watering in long dry spells.

• Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Minimal pruning required – the plant naturally forms a dense, rounded ball.

• If needed, lightly trim in late spring or summer to maintain shape or size.

• Remove any dead or damaged growth in early spring.

• Mulch around the base each year to conserve soil moisture and enrich the ground.

Protection

• Fully hardy in most UK and Irish gardens, though provide shelter from very cold winds.

• In harsh winters, protect with fleece or site in a sheltered position.

• Generally free from pests and diseases.

Why Choose Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’ RP?

This elegant shrub brings both style and reliability to gardens with minimal effort.

• Silvery foliage: Brightens planting schemes and provides year-round colour.

• Compact and rounded: Naturally forms a neat ball shape without pruning.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow.

• Versatile: Perfect for borders, pots, or modern garden designs.

• Fragrant flowers: Small but sweetly scented in late spring.

The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’ RP is a sophisticated evergreen shrub that offers colour, shape, and texture all year round. Whether planted in containers by a doorway, used in borders, or as part of a contemporary design, it provides effortless elegance and reliable structure to any garden.

• 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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.