Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ – Elegant Evergreen with Variegated Foliage

The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is a striking evergreen shrub known for its graceful form and beautifully variegated foliage. With its silvery-green leaves edged in creamy white and its neat, bushy habit, this variety adds brightness and elegance to the garden all year round. Small, honey-scented purple flowers appear in late spring and early summer, adding an extra layer of charm.

Hardy, reliable, and easy to grow, ‘Silver Queen’ is perfect for borders, mixed plantings, hedging, or containers. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners who want a versatile shrub that combines ornamental appeal with low maintenance.

General Information

‘Silver Queen’ is a popular cultivar of Pittosporum tenuifolium, originally from New Zealand, and is prized for its reliable performance and decorative value.

• Habit: Upright, bushy evergreen shrub with dense branching.

• Height & spread: Typically reaches 2.5–3m tall and wide, though it can be pruned to stay smaller.

• Foliage: Oval, silvery-green leaves with creamy-white margins; bright and reflective in the garden.

• Flowers: Small, deep purple-brown blooms in late spring to early summer, fragrant with a honey-like scent.

• Position: Best in full sun to partial shade; brighter positions enhance variegation.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil is ideal, though it tolerates clay or sandy soils if not waterlogged.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in most UK and Irish gardens; may need shelter in colder, exposed areas.

• Uses: Excellent for hedges, screens, specimen planting, or large containers.

This plant is often chosen as a stylish alternative to more traditional evergreens, thanks to its luminous variegation and naturally tidy habit.

Care Guide

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives with just a little seasonal care.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or autumn when the soil is moist and workable.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 1–1.5m apart for hedging.

• Preparation: Improve soil with compost before planting; for containers, use multipurpose compost with added grit for drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly in the first growing season to establish roots.

• Once established, plants are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from watering in very dry spells.

• Feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage fresh growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly in late spring or summer to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

• Avoid hard pruning into old wood, as Pittosporums may not regenerate from bare stems.

• Remove dead, damaged, or overcrowded growth in early spring.

• Mulch annually with compost or bark to help retain soil moisture and improve fertility.

Protection

• Hardy in most regions but can be vulnerable to cold, drying winds in exposed sites.

• In harsh winters, provide protection with fleece or plant in a sheltered location.

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant, making it a very reliable shrub.

Why Choose Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’?

This versatile shrub is a garden favourite for its elegance, resilience, and low-maintenance care.

• Attractive variegation: Cream-edged silvery leaves brighten borders and add contrast.

• Year-round interest: Evergreen foliage ensures structure and colour in all seasons.

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

• Versatile use: Perfect for hedges, screens, specimen planting, or containers.

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

The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ is a superb evergreen that offers long-lasting structure and decorative appeal. Whether planted as a stylish hedge, a bright feature in borders, or as part of a mixed planting scheme, it adds elegance and charm to the garden in every season.

• Size
  2 Litre

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.