I’m a big fan of the Pittosporum genus and was delighted to find such a gorgeous airy specimen two years ago at the RHS spring show on the Crug Farm stand.
I bought this evergreen shrub to screen my compost bin, and although it’s a little slower than I had imagined, it’s still coming along nicely. This spidery Pittosporum will grow in sun or part shade, with its leaves elongating in more shadier spots, and it also has, yet to be seen, small yellow flowers. To be honest, it’s getting a bit more shade than I originally planned for, as I’ve let a Clematis montana scramble up into a nearby small apple tree and it’s blocking out a fair amount of light. So as soon as the horizontal sleety/snowy rain is over, I might venture out to carefully start untangling the climber from the tree.
Not far away is a Pittosporum tennuifolium, merrily romping away (well over 6 ft and still growing) in a dryish shady spot under another apple tree. Last April I was stopped in my tracks by the scent from its tiny black flowers, and I’m eager to see, when my P. illiciodes does flower, if the tiny yellow blooms will also pack a punch.
So if you’re on the lookout for some unusual shrubs or want to stock up on spring-flowering bulbs and perennials, The RHS London plant and design show is fast approaching again (19th and 20th February), where Crug Farm, Avon Bulbs (above) and many other nurseries will be exhibiting and selling many a tempting plant. After such a damp and miserable winter, I’ll definitely be making the trip for a joyful taste of things to come.
Out of my shed 
Thats just up my street I love narrow long leaved shrubs, will have to keep an eye out for it.. Thanks
Hi Debbie, I wanted an evergreen shrub that could tolerate some shade, but a plant wouldn’t be too dense. Big fan of elegant long leaved shrubs too.
This is what I love about reading blogs (which I’ve just not had nearly enough time for lately), I love learning about new plants! This one looks lush. I’m glad you took your inspiration from a show too as some folk think that’s just not possible. Really wish I could make it to London this month but work really does get in the way. Hope your plant continues to prosper in front of your composter.
Hi Anna, Lush indeed, but can’t wait for a little more growth. Looking forward to the spring show as it’s the first in the year but it’s also a small and choice show, with some of the country’s top specialist nurseries + their owners on hand to offer expert advice. I might try and get to visit Crug Farm nursery in N. Wales later in the year too. Will keep you updated on the (slow) progress of my P. illiciodes!
OMG! Love both of them, esp the one with spidery leaves. Here in the states, our pittoporums are pretty but rather boring. I’m going to share your photo with my favorite local nursery, Camellia Forest and see if they can get a few. Great post.
Hi Christine, Pittosporum tennuifolium is readily available in many nurseries here, although they tend to stock a variegated version more often than not, such as Pittospourm ‘Irene Patterson’. The P. illiciodes is a rarer creature, originating from high in the mountains of north-estern Taiwan and originally collected by Crug Farm Nursery on their travels in 2007. Happy plant hunting! Nx
I love the look of your black flowered Pittosporum and haven’t come across it before. What’s the cultivar? We’ve done ‘Tom Thumb’ and ‘Silver Queen’ at college but the leaves on yours are much greener. I’m intrigued! I’m looking forward to the RHS London shows, tickets are already booked for the Tuesday, may see you there!
Hi Caro, I don’t think there’s a cultivar, it’s just Pittosporum tennuifolium, plain and simple. But there are so many cultivars on offer now, that I’ve found that you don’t see in it garden centres very often these days. Looking forward to the RHS show next week too!
Oh blow, that is a beautiful plant, I think I am a little in love. I must be, I am off to check out its particulars to see if I think I can fit it in somewhere… It gets very expensive, reading people’s gardening blogs!
Hi Janet, Yes, it’s a gorgeous thing! Visited the RHS Feb show again yesterday. Crug Farm Plants were offering up all sorts of temptations again. I saw a stunning Pachysandra (yes, really!), but luckily, with no space left in the garden, plants had already sold out!