PITTOSPORUM tenui.'Midget' 3L

Description and Characteristics

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Midget' is a dwarf, evergreen shrub prized for its neat, rounded habit, small glossy leaves, and minimal maintenance requirements. Bred for compact growth, this variety is perfect for smaller gardens, low hedging, or formal edging where year-round structure and subtle elegance are desired.

The foliage consists of tiny, shiny, green leaves with a hint of bronze when young, tightly packed along upright stems. Its naturally dense, ball-shaped form requires little to no trimming to maintain its shape, making it a favourite for topiary, containers, and low-maintenance planting schemes.

Reaching a mature height and spread of approximately 50–80 cm, 'Midget' is ideal for border fronts, patio pots, and repetitive planting in modern garden design. It may occasionally produce small, dark purple, bell-shaped flowers in late spring, subtly scented but not a key ornamental feature.

• Dwarf evergreen shrub with tiny, glossy green foliage

• Naturally forms a compact, rounded dome

• Height & spread: 50–80 cm, excellent for 3L pot use and small spaces

• Low-maintenance structure for modern gardens, edging, and formal design

• May flower in spring with small purple, lightly scented blooms

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Pittosporum 'Midget' is low-maintenance and adaptable, thriving in sun to part shade and well-drained soils. Its slow growth rate and tight form make it a tidy and reliable plant for busy gardeners or compact spaces.

• Light Requirements:

  • Grows best in full sun to partial shade

  • Leaf colour is more vibrant in bright, sunny locations

  • Tolerates light shade without losing shape

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerant of loam, sandy, or chalky soils

  • pH adaptable: grows in slightly acidic to neutral conditions

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly while establishing

  • Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • In containers, water more frequently, especially in warm weather

• Feeding:

  • Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring

  • A mulch of compost in spring can improve soil quality and moisture retention

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Minimal pruning required—maintains a compact shape naturally

  • Can be trimmed lightly after flowering or in late spring to tidy

  • Excellent for topiary spheres or low formal hedging

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4)

  • Tolerates mild frosts but benefits from shelter in colder gardens

  • Mulch the base and protect from harsh winter winds in exposed areas

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Design Features

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a standout choice for structure, compact form, and year-round colour, making it a staple in modern, formal, and coastal gardens. Its neatness and adaptability also make it perfect for repetitive planting or container displays.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for low hedges, path edging, or formal garden patterns

  • Perfect for container planting, especially in terraces, patios, or courtyards

  • Works well in coastal gardens, urban designs, or small spaces

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Heuchera, Lavandula, Nepeta, Salvia, and Euphorbia

  • Contrasts well with silver or burgundy foliage such as Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’ or Artemisia

  • Complements structural perennials and ornamental grasses

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for 3L pots or larger containers

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

  • Combine with seasonal bedding or other evergreens for year-round displays

• Wildlife and Environmental Value:

  • Flowers, when present, attract pollinators such as bees and hoverflies

  • Dense foliage provides nesting and shelter for small garden wildlife

  • Good choice for eco-conscious designs due to longevity and low upkeep

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May suffer from leaf scorch or dieback in very cold or exposed locations

  • Avoid waterlogged soils and allow airflow around plants

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.