Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' – Planting & Care Guide

About Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' is a striking evergreen shrub, admired for its elegant variegated foliage and naturally dense, upright growth. The glossy leaves are grey-green with creamy-white margins, creating a bright, sophisticated display that provides year-round colour and structure in the garden.

During late spring, mature plants may produce small, dark purple, lightly honey-scented flowers that are often hidden amongst the foliage but add extra seasonal interest. Growing to approximately 2–4 metres tall with a spread of 2–3 metres, 'Silver Queen' is ideal for hedging, screening, specimen planting and large containers. It responds well to pruning, making it suitable for both formal and informal garden designs.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Choose a sheltered position protected from cold, drying winds.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve heavy soils with compost and 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 clear of the main stem.
• Space plants 1–1.5 metres apart for hedging or 2–3 metres apart for specimen planting.

Care & Maintenance

Pittosporum 'Silver Queen' is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that performs well with minimal care.

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

Pruning

Pittosporum 'Silver Queen' responds well to regular pruning.

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

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen'
• Common Name: Silver Queen Pittosporum
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
• Mature Height: 2–4 metres
• Spread: 2–3 metres
• Flower Colour: Small dark purple
• Flowering Period: May to June
• Foliage: Grey-green leaves with creamy-white margins
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Hardiness: Hardy throughout most of Ireland and the UK in sheltered locations

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Pittosporum 'Silver Queen' is an excellent choice for adding year-round colour and structure.

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

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

Seasonal Interest

• Attractive variegated foliage provides year-round colour.
• Fresh silvery new growth appears in spring.
• Small, lightly scented flowers may appear in late spring.
• Dense evergreen foliage provides structure throughout summer and autumn.
• Bright foliage continues to add interest throughout winter.
• Responds well to clipping for a neat, formal appearance.

Common Problems

Pittosporum 'Silver Queen' is generally healthy and reliable.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Young plants may suffer wind scorch in exposed locations.
• Scale insects may occasionally appear on stems and leaves.
• Trim out any all-green shoots to maintain the variegated appearance.
• Protect young plants from severe frost during their first winter if planted in exposed areas.

With its elegant silver-variegated foliage, dense evergreen growth and low-maintenance nature, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Queen' is an excellent choice for Irish gardens. Perfect for hedging, screening or as a striking specimen shrub, it provides year-round beauty, reliable structure and a bright, modern look in gardens of all sizes

• Size
  3.5lt

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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