Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' (v), Tawhiwhi 'Tom Thumb'

Pittosporum tenuifolium are evergreen shrubs or trees native to New Zealand which can grow up to 7m in height. This Pittosporum tenuifolium is a cultivar called ‘Tom Thumb’ and is a slow growing small shrub. It has distinctive dark purple colour leaves which have big contrast with the newly appearing green leaves in spring. Pittosporum is very easy plant to grow and tolerate trimming so can be used in formal and informal hedges. If regularly trimmed the plant does not produce many flowers and it also does not tolerate full exposure. This Pittposporum is located in Parsonage Garden in Didsbury, Manchester. It is a small compact shrub planted right next to the south wall of the garden keeper house. It has striking colour and is visible from far. Close to it are planted only low ornamental grasses so the shrub attracts the eye very easily. Its function is purely ornamental. It has been planted right next to the roof drain pipe which means that the shrub together with the other lower species next to it receive bigger amount of water. In other words it enjoys full sun and lots of water and it grows very well.