PITTOSPORUM tenu. Variegatum

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum' is a stylish, evergreen shrub with attractive cream-edged foliage, neat growth, and excellent structural value. A well-loved cultivar of New Zealand origin, this variety features wavy, oval leaves with silvery-green centres and creamy-white margins, giving a soft, luminous appearance throughout the year.

From late spring to early summer, it produces small, dark purple-maroon flowers tucked among the foliage. These flowers are lightly honey-scented, especially in the evening, although not highly visible.

‘Variegatum’ forms an elegant, upright shrub with a naturally conical habit, growing to about 2.5–4 m tall and 1.5–2.5 m wide, making it ideal for hedging, screening, topiary, or as a standalone feature plant. Its variegated foliage and tidy shape make it a superb choice for modern garden designs, coastal planting, or year-round interest in mixed borders.

• Evergreen shrub with silvery-green leaves and cream margins

• Height: 2.5–4 m; Spread: 1.5–2.5 m

• Naturally upright and bushy, can be shaped or clipped

• Small, scented purple-black flowers in spring

• Excellent for hedging, architectural structure, and containers

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegatum' is low-maintenance and adaptable, thriving in sunny, sheltered positions and well-drained soil. It is relatively fast-growing and easily shaped with light pruning.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Best foliage colour and compact growth in full sun

  • Tolerates light shade, especially in warmer climates

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Suitable for loam, sand, and chalk

  • pH adaptable – thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soil

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first growing season

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions; ensure good drainage

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage growth

  • Mulch annually with compost to retain moisture and nourish soil

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune lightly after flowering or in late spring to maintain shape

  • Responds well to clipping, making it excellent for topiary or formal hedging

  • Remove dead or frost-damaged growth in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4)

  • Best grown in sheltered gardens or milder coastal areas

  • In colder regions, provide wind protection and mulch the base in winter

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Visual Impact

Pittosporum 'Variegatum' is a versatile design shrub that offers foliage colour, form, and year-round interest. Its variegated leaves provide light and contrast, making it useful in a variety of garden settings.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for hedging, screening, or backdrop planting

  • Makes a refined specimen shrub in borders or containers

  • Perfect for modern, coastal, or Mediterranean-style gardens

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Phormium, Hebe, Euphorbia, Salvia, and Lavandula

  • Contrasts nicely with dark foliage plants like Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’

  • Blends well with ornamental grasses, Stipa and Festuca, for soft movement

• Container Use:

  • Excellent for large pots and containers on patios or terraces

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

  • Water regularly and prune to maintain compact form

• Wildlife Value:

  • Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hoverflies

  • Dense foliage offers shelter for birds and beneficial insects

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May suffer from leaf scorch or dieback in exposed, frosty conditions

  • Ensure good airflow and shelter from cold winds

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.