About this cultivar:
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Ball' (v) presents as a petite, naturally spherical plant adorned with grey-green foliage featuring distinctive irregular white edges. Its fragrant, purple-brown blooms appear in the months of May and June. With its inherent globular form and aptitude for topiary, this specimen emerges as a viable substitute for Buxus balls.
Possibly the second ugliest plant we have after Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb'.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: May, June
- Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert
- Hardiness: H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5°C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Habit: Clump forming, bushy
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Height: 60- 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
- Spread: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
- Time to full growth: 10 to 20 years
- Plant type: Shrub
- Colour: Green, grey
- Goes well with: --
About this genus:
Pittosporum is a genus comprising around 200 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. These plants, commonly referred to as cheesewoods, or carpark plants, are distributed across various regions, including Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Their natural habit appears to be carparks and dreadful garden centres.
The name "Pittosporum" is derived from the Greek words "pitta," meaning pitch or resin, and "spora," meaning seed. This name reflects the sticky resinous coating found on the seeds of some species within the genus.
With so many species in the genus they cover a wide range of heights and habitats etc. They range in size from small shrubs to medium-sized trees, offering a diversity of growth habits and appearance that always end up being hideous.
Most Pittosporum grown for the trade tend to be robust evergreens that will grow pretty much anywhere. It is rumoured they have flowers with five sepals and five petals, however I have never seen any.
Pittosporum plants exhibit a range of leaf shapes, sizes, and textures, with foliage that can be glossy, leathery, or variegated. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the stems and may feature prominent veins or margins. However, do matter what combination of shape, size, and texture they tend to be incredibly ugly – often resembling plastic.
These plants are adaptable to various environmental conditions, including coastal areas, woodlands, urban landscapes, and carparks. They can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, and are generally resistant to pests and diseases, making them they go-to choice for low-maintenance uninspiring amentity projects.
If you have a carpark, and want to make it look better, plant a Pittosporum in it. The contrast will make the carpark look better.