Pittosporum Tenuifolium 'Green Pillar'

• Native to New Zealand, Pittosporum tenuifolium has become a popular landscaping plant across temperate Australia. The 'Green Pillar' cultivar was specifically selected for its narrow, upright growth habit.
• Produces small, dark purple flowers in spring that are sweetly fragrant, though they're often overlooked due to their modest appearance. The flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden.
• Gardeners love this plant for its low maintenance requirements and ability to create instant height without taking up much ground space. It's perfect for modern garden designs requiring clean, architectural lines.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly during growing season, reducing to monthly in winter once established. Check soil moisture 5cm deep before watering.
• Position in full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for compact growth and healthy foliage.
• Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged positions.
• Feed with slow-release native plant fertiliser in early spring and again in early autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers.
• Prune lightly in late winter if needed to maintain shape, removing any damaged or wayward branches. Natural form rarely needs heavy pruning.
• Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

• Provide full sun to partial shade for best growth and foliage colour. Morning sun with afternoon protection works well in hot Australian climates.
• Water regularly during establishment, then reduce to deep weekly watering once established. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
• Plant in well-draining soil with good organic content. Add compost to heavy clay soils to improve drainage.
• Tolerates temperatures down to -5°C once established. Protect young plants from frost in their first winter.
• Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape if needed, though minimal pruning is usually required.

• Scale insects can attach to stems and leaves, appearing as small brown bumps. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap applied every 2 weeks.
• Aphids may cluster on new growth, causing leaf distortion. Spray off with water or use pyrethrum-based insecticide for severe infestations.
• Root rot can occur in poorly draining soils, causing yellowing leaves and wilting. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency immediately.
• Leaf spot diseases may develop in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Ensure adequate spacing and avoid overhead watering.