The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Golf Ball’ is a top-notch evergreen shrub prized for its dense, naturally spherical shape and vibrant, glossy mint-green leaves. It’s a low-maintenance superstar, earning its name by effortlessly maintaining its neat, rounded form without the need for constant trimming. This makes it an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
Caring for Your ‘Golf Ball’
- Growing Conditions: This tough little plant thrives in full sun to part shade. It’s not fussy about soil as long as it’s well-draining, as it’s susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. It’s also tolerant of coastal winds and salt spray, making it a ripper for Aussie coastal gardens.
- Watering: Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant. While getting it settled, water deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry, hot weather. Avoid overwatering.
- Feeding: It generally doesn’t require much feeding, but a slow-release, general-purpose fertiliser in spring and autumn will keep it happy and healthy.
- Pruning: The best part? Pruning is rarely needed due to its naturally compact habit. If you want to keep it a specific size or neaten it up, a light trim in mid-spring is all that’s required.
Usage in the Garden
This versatile shrub is perfect for creating a clean, formal look in the garden. It’s a fantastic substitute for traditional box hedging, working brilliantly as a low border along paths or driveways. Its compact size also makes it an excellent feature plant in pots and containers on patios and balconies. You can also use it in mass plantings to create a lush, green carpet effect or as a single specimen to add structure to a garden bed.
