Tawhiwhi Silver Sheen

A large shrub or small tree for the larger garden, Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Sheen is a male, evergreen tree with a columnar habit and a fairly open crown; the new stems are reddish-purple. The small, leathery, ruffle-edged leaves are grey-green with a greyish-silver bloom. The male flowers are fragrant and brown-maroon, and appear in May or June.  Good in a low-maintenance garden. Tawhiwhi Silver Sheen is an easy tree that needs minimal pruning (if grown as a hedge, trim in spring and midsummer) but can be susceptible to pittosporum sucker and powdery mildew. It can also be grown as a low hedge in a sunny spot.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Colours best in full sun; tolerates partial shade
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Hardy to -5 to -10ºC
Height:  16’ 6” (5m) Spread: 13’ (4m) in 10-20 years