Tawhiwhi John Flanagan

Also known as tawhiwhi Margaret Turnbull and ideal for milder gardens, Pittosporum tenuifolium John Flanagan is a compact, rather slow-growing, evergreen shrub with dark young stems. The leaves are ovoid, glossy and yellow-green, with a mid-green wavy margin, ageing to mid-green with deep green margins. In spring, small, deep red, fragrant flowers appear. This shrub is good in a mild or coastal cottage or low-maintenance garden or in wallside borders; in colder areas, grow in the protection of a warm (south- or west-facing) wall, and protect the roots in winter with a deep, dry mulch. Propagate Tawhiwhi John Flanagan by semi-ripe cuttings on the current season’s growth in summer, or hardwood cuttings in late autumn, or by layering. It needs no pruning, but if grown as a hedge, clip in spring and midsummer. 

Site: Sheltered from cold, drying winds, including coastal shelter
Soil: Any fertile, light, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: All year, spring in particular
Hardiness: Hardy to -5 to -10ºC
Height:  5’9” (1.8m) Spread: 39”-5’ (1-1.5-4m)  in 10-20 years