Garnettii Pittosporum Pittosporum 'Garnettii' (v)
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ABOUT
Pittosporum 'Garnettii' is a visually striking ornamental shrub known for its variegated foliage. This plant features glossy, leathery leaves that are oval in shape and come to a gentle point at the tip. Each leaf is a blend of two colors—green and creamy white. The green dominates the center of the leaves, while the creamy white edges act as a border, giving the foliage a bright, contrasting appeal. In addition to its leaves, Pittosporum 'Garnettii' may also produce small, inconspicuous flowers. These flowers are typically a deep maroon color, which adds a subtle and sophisticated touch to the shrub's appearance. The blossoms have a sweet, honey-like fragrance that can be quite noticeable, especially during the evening. The overall shape of the plant is dense and rounded, making it an excellent choice for a statement piece in gardens. The variegation of the leaves can create a luminous effect in sunlight, which contrasts beautifully against other plants with solid green foliage. The plant's appearance, with its combination of striking foliage and scented flowers, makes it a popular choice among landscapers and gardeners looking to add texture and color to their plantings.
About this plant
Names
Family
Pittosporaceae
Synonyms
Variegated Pittosporum, Garnettii Pittosporum, Variegated Japanese Mock-Orange
Common names
Pittosporum 'Garnettii' (v).
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Mixed
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental Appeal: Garnett's Pittosporum features attractive variegated foliage that adds visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for regions that experience water scarcity.
- Versatility: It can be used in various garden settings, including as a feature plant, hedge, or screen, due to its dense, compact growth habit.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning to maintain its shape, making it an ideal choice for those with limited gardening time.
- Pest Resistant: Generally resistant to common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Adaptability: Capable of growing in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, provided they are well-drained.
- Privacy: It can grow to a substantial size, offering privacy screens in residential areas.
- Sound Barrier: The dense foliage can help to reduce noise pollution when planted in rows or as hedges.
- Wildlife Shelter: Provides shelter and potential nesting spots for birds and other wildlife.
- Year-Round Interest: Evergreen nature ensures that it provides color and texture in the garden throughout the year.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Pittosporum 'Garnettii' can be used as a natural screen or hedge for privacy due to its dense foliage.
- The wood of this plant is sometimes used in small woodworking projects like crafting decorative objects or inlay work.
- The dense branches can provide nesting opportunities for small birds, offering them protection from predators.
- This plant's resilient nature makes it suitable for coastal landscaping, offering erosion control on sandy soils.
- Pittosporum 'Garnettii' may be used as a windbreak in gardens due to its robust and bushy growth habit.
- When trimmed and maintained, it can be shaped into topiary forms, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- The plant is occasionally used in flower arrangements as filler foliage for its attractive leaves and variegation.
- Its variegated leaves can be used to contrast against other garden plantings, enhancing overall garden design.
- In some cases, the dried seed capsules are used in craft projects for their unique texture and appearance.
- The tough leaves can serve as a makeshift writing surface in survival situations or nature-related educational activities.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Pittosporum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Pittosporum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Protection - Pittosporum, often found in hedges and borders, traditionally symbolizes protection as it provides a natural barrier.
- Peace - With its evergreen foliage, Pittosporum is seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility, representing a serene landscape throughout the year.
- Rebirth and Renewal - The lush green leaves and the persistent nature of the plant signify fresh beginnings and the renewal of life, as it remains vibrant across seasons.
- Longevity - Due to its hardiness and long life, Pittosporum is synonymous with longevity and endurance in the plant kingdom.
Water
Variegated Pittosporum requires moderate watering to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It’s advisable to water these shrubs with about 1 - 1.5 gallons per week, adjusting the amount based on rainfall, temperature, and soil drainage. During the hotter months, it may require more frequent watering to prevent stress. In winter, reduce watering to every other week, unless the soil remains wet from rain or snow. Check the top inch of soil for dryness as a guide for when to water again.
Light
Variegated Pittosporum thrives best in bright, indirect light if grown indoors and partial shade to full sun if planted outdoors. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
Temperature
Variegated Pittosporum prefers a temperature range between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit but is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage below this temperature. The ideal conditions for this shrub include staying in a warm, sheltered spot away from cold draughts and extreme heat.
Pruning
Prune Variegated Pittosporum to maintain its shape, control its size, and ensure the plant's overall health. Light pruning can be done any time of year, but the best time for significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning every year or two is typically sufficient for keeping a tidy appearance.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Variegated Pittosporum prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5). A mix that includes loam, peat, and sand or perlite provides the ideal soil structure and nutrients for healthy growth.
Repotting
Variegated Pittosporum should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot, to ensure it has enough room for root growth and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & Misting
Variegated Pittosporum thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity typical of indoor environments.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in well-lit area, avoid direct sun, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh sun, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycle
Pittosporum 'Garnettii', commonly known as Garnettii Pittosporum, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with basic root and shoot structures. As it matures, it enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf and stem growth, developing its characteristic variegated foliage that's green with creamy white edges. After reaching maturity, which can take several years, the Garnettii Pittosporum enters the flowering stage, producing small, honey-scented flowers that are typically inconspicuous against the foliage. Following pollination, these flowers develop into seed-bearing capsules, signaling the plant's reproductive stage. Once seeds are dispersed, the cycle can begin anew if conditions are favorable. The plant continues to grow and may live for many years, going through multiple flowering and seeding cycles while requiring pruning to maintain shape and health.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Pittosporum 'Garnettii', commonly known as variegated pittosporum, is often propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is in late summer to early fall. To propagate, a gardener would select a firm, semi-hardwood shoot from the current year's growth and cut a piece roughly 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage while keeping the cutting moist. The potted cutting should be kept in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the rooting process can take several weeks. Maintaining consistent moisture levels and providing gentle warmth can help improve the success rate of rooting.