- Mature height
- 3m to 5m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 1m to 2m
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Wonder Screen' is a dense evergreen shrub with a naturally upright habit and glossy dark green leaves held on fine, near black stems. The foliage is narrow and lightly waved, which gives the plant a soft texture, and small dark purple flowers open in spring with a faint honey scent.
It takes full sun to part shade and wants soil that drains, though it copes with most soil types once established. Growth is steady at roughly 30 to 60 centimetres a year. Light to moderate frost is no trouble for settled plants, and watering through the first two summers builds its drought tolerance.
Mature size is 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide, which suits boundary screening, courtyard privacy and clipped hedges along fences and driveways. It also holds a formal line in a row in front of a wall or under windows. On a suburban block it screens without taking over.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Wonder Screen Pittosporum
How big does Wonder Screen Pittosporum grow?
Mature plants reach 2 to 3 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide in the ground. Regular clipping holds it lower and narrower if you need a tighter hedge, and it responds well to being kept at around 1.5 metres. Growing it in a large container will also keep the final size down.
How fast does it grow?
Expect roughly 30 to 60 centimetres of growth a year once the plant has settled in, which is moderate for a screening shrub. Growth is quicker in the first few seasons with good soil preparation and consistent water, and slows as the plant nears full height. Feeding in early spring keeps the rate up.
How far apart should I plant it for a hedge or screen?
For a dense informal screen, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a tighter formal hedge, bring the spacing in to 80 centimetres. If you are using it as a soft textured avenue along a driveway, 3 metres apart gives each plant room to develop its own shape and stay full to the ground.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun gives the densest growth and the best leaf colour. It also grows well in part shade, though plants in deeper shade tend to open up and thin at the base, which matters if you are relying on it for privacy. Morning sun with afternoon shade works well in hot inland gardens.
When does it flower?
Small dark purple flowers appear in spring, from about September to November. They sit close to the stems and are easy to miss, but they carry a light honey fragrance that is most noticeable in the evening. The plant is grown for its foliage and form, so treat the flowers as a bonus.
Is it frost tolerant?
Yes. Established plants handle light to moderate frost without damage, which covers most temperate and cool temperate districts. Young plants in their first winter are more vulnerable, so mulch over the root zone and shelter from cold wind helps them through. Severe repeated frost can burn the newest growth at the tips.
How do I care for Wonder Screen Pittosporum?
Water deeply through the first two summers, then only in long dry spells. Mulch to about 75 millimetres, keeping it clear of the trunk. Trim once or twice a year, in late spring and again in late summer, cutting into soft growth rather than bare wood. A general fertiliser in early spring is enough.