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Pittosporum tendifolium 'Tom Thumb'


Pittosporum tendifolium 'Tom Thumb' (Pittosporum tenuifolium (New Zealand Pittosporum))

this has settled in nicely since last year, i am wondering if it is a bit on the tender side though.... this bed is next on the hit list for a good sorting out, mulching and then i can give it one of my fleese tents just incase...



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Should be ok as far as I know, I think Pittosporums are a lot tougher than given credit for Angie.

9 Dec, 2009

 

thanks Stephen, i think some can be a little bit on the tender side, not sure about this one, i was kind of looking at the second bit of the name 'tendifolium' lol

9 Dec, 2009

 

Such a great colour - Bluespruce is right though ... the New Zealand tenuifolium is regarded as one of the hardiest pittosporums.

9 Dec, 2009

 

oh thats fantastic... pleased about that.... so then what does the 'tendifolium' mean then? usually latin is quite self explanitory.... like urm....nudiflorus... just to give an example.... should'nt 'tendifolium' mean tender foliage?.... i just guessing ofcourse.. lol

9 Dec, 2009

 

It's 'ten-U-ifolium', Angie - so that's different! :-)))

9 Dec, 2009

 

Pay attention Angie :0)))

9 Dec, 2009

 

I didn't mean to be a 'teacher' again - sorry if it came out like that. :-(((( Just wanted to reassure you, Angie!

9 Dec, 2009

 

Only just caught up ... yes Spritz is right - I know this as 'tenuifolium'. Known as frost hardy but still needs some winter protection in harsh cold areas. I've seen the recommendation that in these areas it requires the shelter of a warm non-north or east facing wall, or to be container grown in harsh climates in north facing gardens.

9 Dec, 2009

 

I am quite concerned about my new one....maybe I'll post a question - the 'Silver Magic' one in my last blog, should I fleece that in its first year? Does this depend on how cold it gets?

9 Dec, 2009

 

I wouldn't think it necessary Barbara.

9 Dec, 2009

 

Spritz - the person talking about the care of these plants was mentioning winter temps. of 20 - 25 degrees F / -3 to - 6 C. Can't hurt to check it out with a question though. I have also seen that the former GOYer who has the Winsford Walled Gardens has a section on pittosporums on his winsfordwalledgarden website - could be helpful.

9 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks - I'll have a look, Bernie. :-)

10 Dec, 2009

 

I have Tom Thumb in a north facing border aswell as a tall variegated one and they're both fine with cold winter temps.
I have 2 more Pittosporums in the back too and they're all quite okay.
I have a hedge of variegated ones in the front garden and .... they're the same ...

I agree with Bluespruce, they're a lot tougher than they're given credit for.

10 Dec, 2009

 

I'm concerned as my new one ('Silver Magic') is so newly planted - and a magazine article mentioned it as not being as reliably hardy as others. My other Pittosporums are 'A1, four star' hardy! I don't want to lose this one.

10 Dec, 2009

 

I grew my very first Pittosporum (tenuifolium Purpereum) back in the late seventies, early eighties with no problems, we had some hard winters then, even in the south

10 Dec, 2009

 

Yes, that's one of mine (or is it 'Nigrescens'?). I do trust your judgement, BS, but do you believe what I'm being told - that the ones with smaller leaves are more susceptible?

10 Dec, 2009

 

No, i don't really agree with that.
All mine are small leaved.

I think as long as your new ones are planted nice and deeply and tucked up tight in there for the winter they'll be fine :-))

I had a friend that planted a variegated one too shallowly one autumn and the winter temperatures (or the winds) burned its leaves and they followed by dropping but it still made it through, so i think that's something !!!

10 Dec, 2009

 

Not trying to coerce you Barbara :0)))
If you are concerned about it, then I would protect it just to give yourself peace of mind.
With all this talk of Pittosporums, I've just been looking at some on the Internet, seems to be an explosion of very attractive new cultivars in recent years....Time to start another collection ??

10 Dec, 2009

 

:-))))))))))))))))))))
Sounds good to me ;-)

10 Dec, 2009

 

I have to admit that I spotted a green and gold one which was VERY tempting! :-)))))

10 Dec, 2009

 

Do you remember its name Spritz ?

10 Dec, 2009

 

No - sorry! I hurried past with my eyes averted....LOL.

10 Dec, 2009

 

LOL

10 Dec, 2009

 

I cooooouuuuulllllllddddd go back for another look???????? :-0))))))))))))

10 Dec, 2009

 

'Warnham Gold' and 'Abbotsbury Gold' have been around for quite a while and will reach to about 2 or 3 m. here. Silver ones like 'Garnettii' will make trees up to 5 or 6 m.

11 Dec, 2009

 

In case anyone's interested, 'tenuifolium' means thin leaved...

16 Dec, 2009

 

Thanks for that Bamboo....

12 Mar, 2013

 

Crikey, it's been so long that not only had I forgotten all about this question, but I'd also forgotten that 'tenuifolium' means thin leaved!

13 Mar, 2013

 

LOL.......

17 Mar, 2013



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This photo is of "Pittosporum tendifolium 'Tom Thumb'" in Majeekahead's garden

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