Old gardening books often talk about Pittosporum as a glasshouse plant, and while a cold winter can cause damage to this genus, the changing climate has enabled these prized evergreens to become staples of our gardens. There are at least 52 cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium alone, so it is perhaps no surprise that it is the largest group within the genus in cultivation. A New Zealand native, Pittosporum tenuifolium goes by the Māori common name of Kohuhu, and its cultivars display habits of varying shapes and sizes, as well as leaf colours and textures, making it a treasure trove, completely irresistible for those with a soft spot for foliage.
Couple this diversity with their quick-growing vigour, the fact they're easy to propagate from cuttings and a general easy-going habit with a tolerance of clipping, and it is easy to see why it is a plant that appears frequently in gardens. For the haters of coloured foliage, the genus offers a perfect alternative for the purist: Pittosporum tobira, which has large, glossy, dark-green leaves, and a compact form that makes a respectable little mound. However, they are not the hardiest of souls, and to that end have become regulars in city and coastal gardens. One attribute of Pittosporum tobira that everyone can get excited about is the incredibly scented flowers. If blindfolded, I could not tell the scent of Pittosporum tobira apart from orange blossom. It is simply divine.
Conceivably the poster boy' of the genus is the ever-popular Pittosporum tenufolium "Tom Thumb', which is perhaps becoming too ubiquitous. However, when asked to think of evergreen purpleleaved plants, the list is a painfully short one, and the tidy, bushy, habit of this cultivar, with its juvenile green leaves bringing a cheerful contrast, makes it a very popular choice. I love it.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2023 من Gardens Illustrated.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة December 2023 من Gardens Illustrated.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer
EARTHLY CONCERN
Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing
Gardening is good for you
In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.
TANGERINE DREAM
On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial
Waste not, nice plot
Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love
One for all
A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity
Autumn at Sissinghurst
As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.