Description
🌿 Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Nigrescens’
Common name: Black-stem Pittosporum | Family: Pittosporaceae
🌱 Overview
A striking evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy dark green to purplish foliage and elegant black stems. Its neat form and rich colouring make it ideal for hedges, borders, or as a feature plant in contemporary gardens.
🌞 Light & Position
Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Best colour in full sun, but appreciates some afternoon shade in very hot areas.
Shelter from strong, drying winds is recommended.
🌿 Soil & Drainage
Prefers well-drained soil — avoid waterlogging.
Tolerates loam, sandy, or light clay soils.
Enrich the soil with compost and mulch yearly to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
💧 Watering
Keep evenly moist while establishing (first 1–2 years).
Once established, it’s fairly drought tolerant.
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
❄️ Temperature & Hardiness
Hardy to light frost and tolerates mild coastal conditions.
In colder climates, plant in a sheltered, frost-free spot.
✂️ Pruning & Feeding
Prune lightly in spring or early summer to maintain shape.
Avoid hard pruning in late autumn.
Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer if growth is slow or leaves pale.
🌼 Propagation
Best propagated from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Can also grow from seed, though germination is slow.
🐛 Pests & Problems
Generally low-maintenance and pest-free.
Occasionally affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, or scale if stressed.
Ensure good airflow and avoid soggy soil.
🌸 Fun Fact
The name tenuifolium means “slender leaves” in Latin — referring to its narrow foliage, which rustles beautifully in the wind.
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