PITTOSPORUM T. TOM THUMB RP

Description and Characteristics

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (RP) is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub loved for its rich purple-black foliage, tidy habit, and year-round interest. It is one of the most popular small Pittosporum cultivars, ideal for smaller gardens, containers, or colourful evergreen structure in borders.

This Registered Plant (RP) selection features small, rounded leaves that emerge greenish-bronze and mature to a deep purple-black hue, especially in full sun. The plant forms a dense, dome-shaped shrub that typically grows to 60–90 cm in height and spread, making it perfect for edging, low hedging, and modern design schemes.

While flowering is not a primary feature, it may produce small, bell-shaped, dark purple flowers in late spring, subtly scented and tucked within the foliage.

• Evergreen with dark purple foliage all year round

• Compact, slow-growing habit: 60–90 cm tall and wide

• Excellent for low hedging, borders, containers, or topiary balls

• Flowers: Small, scented dark purple blooms in spring (inconspicuous)

• RHS Award of Garden Merit – proven garden performance

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' is low maintenance and reliable, provided it is planted in a sheltered, sunny location with well-drained soil. It’s hardy in mild climates and ideal for urban or coastal gardens.

• Light Requirements:

  • Best colour in full sun, but also grows in light shade

  • Avoid deep shade, which can reduce leaf colour intensity

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil

  • Tolerates chalk, loam, or sandy soil

  • pH adaptable: grows in slightly acidic to neutral conditions

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant in mild climates

  • Avoid waterlogged soils, especially in winter

• Feeding:

  • Feed in spring with a general-purpose fertiliser

  • Mulch with compost to retain moisture and feed the soil

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Minimal pruning required—just a light clip in spring or summer to maintain shape

  • Can be shaped into topiary domes or low formal hedges

  • Remove any reverted green shoots or frost-damaged branches in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4)

  • May suffer in harsh winters or exposed locations

  • Provide shelter from cold winds and mulch base in autumn in colder regions

  • Excellent in containers that can be moved to a protected spot in winter

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Design Benefits

Pittosporum 'Tom Thumb' is a favourite for colour contrast, neat form, and evergreen texture, making it ideal in formal and contemporary planting schemes. Its rich foliage brings drama and depth to any space.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for low evergreen hedging, path edging, and mixed borders

  • Excellent for modern, architectural, and courtyard gardens

  • Compact size makes it ideal for urban gardens and patios

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with silver or golden foliage plants like Choisya 'Sundance', Artemisia, or Heuchera

  • Contrasts well with soft grasses, Lavandula, and Salvia

  • Complements spring bulbs and perennials in seasonal combinations

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for pots, troughs, and raised planters

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

  • Water regularly in dry spells and feed annually for best foliage colour

• Wildlife Value:

  • Provides shelter for birds and insects with its dense growth

  • Flowers may attract bees and hoverflies, though not prominent

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May suffer from leaf scorch or dieback in cold, windy locations

  • Protect from severe frost and ensure good air circulation

• 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.