Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' is a popular evergreen shrub that is commonly used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth habit and attractive foliage. This variety of Pittosporum is known for its vigorous growth and its ability to form a thick, impenetrable screen, making it an ideal choice for creating privacy in the garden.

Common Name:

'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum

Mature Height (meters): Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' can grow up to 3-4 meters in height.

Mature Width: The plant has a moderate growth rate and can reach a width of 2-3 meters.

Spacing: 1-2 meters apart to allow for proper growth

Foliage: The foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' is small, glossy, and dark green. The leaves have a narrow, elongated shape, adding to the plant's overall appeal.

Flowering period: The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, followed by small, woody capsules that contain seeds.

Form/ Habit: The plant has a dense, upright form, with a moderate growth rate that is ideal for planting as a privacy screen or hedge.

Uses: Hedging and Screening

Evergreen/ Deciduous: This is an evergreen shrub, which means it retains its leaves year-round.

Tolerates: The 'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained. It can also tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Drought Hardy: Moderately drought-tolerant

Sun: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Maintenance: This plant requires minimal maintenance and does not require pruning unless it outgrows its space. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.

Water Requirement: Regular watering during the first year of growth is recommended to establish a strong root system. After that, the plant can tolerate moderate periods of drought.

Appearance

'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum has an upright, bushy form with small, glossy, dark green leaves that are slightly serrated along the edges. The leaves are about 4-5cm long and 1-2cm wide, giving the plant a fine texture that adds to its overall appeal. As the plant matures, it develops a dense, bushy habit, creating a screen that is perfect for blocking out unwanted views or noise.

Mature Height and Width

This variety of Pittosporum can grow up to 3-4 meters in height and 1-2 meters in width when left untrimmed. However, it is easily maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.

Spacing

When planting, it is recommended to space 'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum about 50-75cm apart to ensure proper growth and to allow enough space for the plants to fill in and form a cohesive screen.

Foliage

The foliage of 'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum is small, glossy, and dark green, with a slightly serrated edge. The leaves are evergreen, meaning they will stay on the plant year-round, providing a reliable source of greenery in the garden.

Flowering Period

In spring, 'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, woody capsules that contain seeds. While the flowers are not particularly showy, they add to the plant's ornamental value.

Form/Habit

This variety of Pittosporum has a dense, bushy habit, making it ideal for creating a thick, impenetrable screen in the garden. It can also be used as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border.

Uses

'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum is an ideal plant for creating a thick, dense screen in the garden. It is commonly used as a hedging plant due to its dense growth habit and narrow form. It can also be grown as a specimen plant or as part of a mixed border. Additionally, it is an excellent plant for creating privacy in the garden.

Evergreen/Deciduous

This is an evergreen shrub, which means it retains its leaves year-round.

Tolerates

'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained. It can also tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Drought Hardy

This plant is moderately drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the first year of growth to establish a strong root system.

Sun

'Wonder Screen' Pittosporum prefers full sun to partial shade.

Maintenance/Water Requirement

This plant requires minimal maintenance and can tolerate moderate periods of drought. It does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to maintain its shape and size if needed. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring. Regular watering during the first year of growth is recommended to establish a strong root system.

How to Plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen':

1. Choose a planting location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole.
3. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly.
5. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Caring for your Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen':

1. Water the plant regularly during the first year of growth to establish a strong root system. After that, the plant can tolerate moderate periods of drought.
2. Fertilize the plant with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth.
3. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. If using the plant as a hedge, prune it twice a year to encourage bushy growth.
4. Monitor the plant for signs of pests or diseases, such as scale insects, mealybugs, or fungal leaf spot. Treat any issues promptly with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How fast does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' grow? A: This plant has a moderate growth rate, and can grow up to 3-4 meters in height and 1-2 meters in width when left untrimmed.

2. How often should I water my Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen'? A: During the first year of growth, water the plant regularly to establish a strong root system. After that, the plant can tolerate moderate periods of drought, but it's still best to water it deeply and infrequently during prolonged dry spells.

3. Can I grow Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' in a container? A: While it is possible to grow this plant in a container, it's important to choose a large pot and use a well-draining soil mix. The plant may also require more frequent watering and fertilizing than it would in the ground.

4. Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' invasive? A: No, this plant is not considered invasive, and it's not known to be a problem in most regions.

5. Does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' have any special soil requirements? A: This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It's best to avoid planting it in heavy clay soil or areas prone to waterlogging.