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Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

Most loved for its striking variegated green and creamy-yellow foliage, lemon-scented leaves, and dense upright growth habit perfect for hedging.

Regular price $430.00
Sale price $430.00 Regular price
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Pot size
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Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$430.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum' carries wavy apple-green leaves edged in creamy-yellow that lift a shaded or dull corner without needing flowers to do it. Crushed foliage releases a distinct lemon scent, which is where the common name Lemonwood comes from.

    'Variegatum' grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and only 2 to 3 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, holding a dense upright habit with near-black stems that contrast against the pale foliage. The narrow footprint suits boundary hedging, courtyard screening and formal clipped shapes.

    'Variegatum' grows in full sun to part shade and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It clips cleanly and holds density under regular trimming, which makes it equally effective as a crisp formal hedge or a looser informal screen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum'

    How tall does Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum' grow?

    It reaches 4 to 6 metres tall and only 2 to 3 metres wide, which makes it a strong choice for tall narrow hedging where bed width is limited.

    Why is it called Lemonwood?

    The leaves release a distinct lemon scent when crushed. The common name Lemonwood refers to this, and the species is widely known by it in New Zealand where it originates.

    How fast does it grow?

    It grows at 30 to 60 centimetres per year once established, reaching a usable hedge height within three to four years with regular water and feeding.

    How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

    Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Does the variegation hold in shade?

    The cream-yellow edging is brightest in full sun and softens in shade. The plant grows well in part shade but the variegation is less pronounced.

    Is 'Variegatum' frost tolerant?

    It handles light to moderate frost once established. Protect young plants through their first winter in colder inland districts.

    When should I trim it?

    Trim two to three times through the growing season to build density and keep lines crisp. It responds well to regular light clipping rather than occasional hard cutting.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade
    Form
    • Rounded
    • Compact
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shrubs
    Mature height
    4m to 6m (approx.)
    Mature width
    2m to 3m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' in Different Soil

    Pittosporum eugenoides performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Shrubs

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 4m to 6m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 2m to 3m

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated'

    Is Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' frost tolerant?

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' Flower?

    Pittosporum eugenioides ‘Variegated’ produces clusters of small, pale yellow, sweetly fragrant flowers in late spring. These delicate blooms sit above the cream-edged variegated foliage, adding a soft seasonal highlight to its ornamental tricolour appearance.

    Does Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Purple

    Is Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is Native to New Zealand, where Pittosporum eugenioides grows naturally in lowland and coastal forests.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' ?

    Its fragrant, nectar-bearing flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinating insects, while the dense evergreen foliage offers shelter, protection and nesting cover for small birds. The branching structure also supports microfauna, adding biodiversity to screening and ornamental plantings.

    How much Sunlight does Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' need?

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun
    • Part Shade

    Preferred Soil?

    Pittosporum eugenioides ‘Variegated’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It may struggle in waterlogged or heavy clay unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the plant matures to support drought resilience, dense screening growth and healthy variegated foliage.

    Is Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' Drought Tolerant?

    Is Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established this variegated Pittosporum develops good drought tolerance. It performs reliably in warm, dry, windy and coastal conditions and maintains its dense, upright habit with only occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Can I use Pittosporum eugenoides 'Variegated' for hedging?
    A: Yes, its compact and rounded growth habit, along with its attractive variegated leaves, makes it a suitable choice for hedging.

    Q: Does 'Variegated' tolerate coastal conditions and urban environments?
    A: Yes, this variety of Lemonwood is adaptable to coastal conditions and can thrive in urban settings.

    Q: Is it a fast-growing shrub?
    A: Pittosporum eugenoides 'Variegated' has a moderate growth rate, which allows you to manage its size more easily.

    Compare sizes side by side

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' is loved for its striking variegated green and creamy-yellow foliage, lemon-scented leaves, and dense upright growth habit perfect for hedging.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegated' With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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