Pittosporum tenuifolium Brin de Soleil

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Sunbeam' forms a compact bush with variegated evergreen foliage. This small, stocky shrub hides small flowers under its very dense vegetation in spring that reveal their presence through a delicate fragrance, with notes of honey. Not very hardy (to -7°C), the small-leaved Pittosporum thrives in coastal gardens. Plant it in a sunny position, in well-drained soil, as a specimen, in a border or hedge, or in a large container that you can store in winter in cold climates.                                                    

From the pittosporaceae family, Pittosporum tenuifolium is native to dry regions located east of the New Zealand Alps. The 'Sunbeam' cultivar is distinguished by its variegated evergreen foliage. It forms a conical bush 1.50 m high, with a spread of 1 m. Its evergreen and dense foliage is its main asset. 3 to 4 cm long, its leaves are entire, ovate, very glossy, leathery and with slightly wavy edges. They are carried by thin, branched, purple to almost black stems. Its flowering is discreet. In April-May, very small violet bell-shaped flowers appear, which give off a slight honey scent. They are sometimes followed by a few round fruits that turn black when ripe.

The 'Sunbeam' Pittosporum tenuifolium is a mild climate plant, also suitable for coastal regions. In cold climates, it is best grown in a pot and/or protected with mulch and winter cover. It thrives in the sun, sheltered from cold winds, in well-drained soil. It tolerates sea spray well and has low water requirements. It will find its place in the garden, as a specimen, in a border or in a low hedge. In mild climates, accompany it with a Pistacia lentiscus with red berries, a 'New Blood' grevillea with bright red-pink flowers, and a 'Pointe du Raz' ground cover rosemary in the foreground.