Pittosporum tenuifolium Irene Patterson - Kohuhu

The Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson', with its almost snowy evergreen foliage, is undoubtedly one of the most attractive varieties of small-leaved Pittosporum. This small dense bush, with a very compact habit, is adorned with a very shiny foliage, silver, intensely speckled and variegated with white and almond green, often tinged with pink in winter. It offers a magnificent spectacle in summer, when it produces young cream-coloured shoots within its sparkling foliage, adorned with a few purple-violet flowers that are very fragrant at night. This plant, adapted to mild climates and coastal areas, will thrive in a sunny position, in well-drained soil, in a dry garden, or in a large pot to be stored in cold climates.

This bush, belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, originates from dry regions located east of the Southern Alps in New Zealand. Over time, it forms a dense and rounded bush measuring 1.50 to 2 metres (4 ft 11 in- 7 ft 6 in) in height, with a spread of 1 to 1.50 metres (3 ft 4 in - 4 ft 11 in). Its foliage is its main asset. Its thin, purple-to-almost-black and spreading stems bear evergreen, alternate, entire, oval, thick, very shiny, leathery leaves with slightly undulating edges. They are small, not exceeding 3 to 4 cm (1.2 - 1.6 in) in length and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 - 0.8 in) in width. They emerge cream-white, then develop a beautiful silver hue, speckled with white and variegated with almond green at the centre. The green colour intensifies somewhat in summer. The cold weather gives them a pinkish tone, especially on the lighter areas. The flowering, not very abundant in this variety, takes place in late spring or early summer. The small black flowers, a few millimetres in diameter, emit a honey scent that is particularly noticeable at night. They are followed by the formation of a few round fruits, initially green and then almost black when ripe.

Hardy down to -7C°/-10°C, the Pittosporum Irene Patterson requires a dry, not too chalky, well-drained soil, a warm, sunny position protected from prevailing winds. It tolerates sea spray perfectly, allowing gardeners in coastal areas to use it as a standalone plant or in a free hedge. In mild climates, it can also be planted on a large slope or at the back of a border. Pair it with Pistacia lentiscus, Olearia, Atriplex halimus, lavender, rosemary, grevilleas, escallonias, or combine it with the silver foliage of artemisias. In cold regions, it can be grown in a container on a terrace to enjoy its delicate scent and exceptional foliage.