Pittosporum Abbotsbury Gold – 5 Litre

5 Litre Pot (Potted up 3rd September 2025)

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Fertile, well drained
• Growth rate: Average
• Flowering period: May – June
• Hardiness: H4
• Eventual height: 2.5m
• Eventual spread: 1.5m

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Abbotsbury Gold’ is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its rounded leathery yellow leaves margined with dark green and dense, bushy growth habit. A compact cultivar, it typically reaches 1.5-2.5 metres in height, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.

In late spring to early summer, small, deep purple to almost black, honey-scented flowers may appear, though they are often inconspicuous compared to the bold foliage. Its naturally rounded form and vibrant colour make it a versatile choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant in mixed borders.

How to care for your Pittosporum Abbotsbury Gold

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: This shrub develops its brightest golden variegation in full sun. In hotter climates, a little afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.

• Well-Drained Soil: Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil.  Tolerates a wide range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.  Excellent for coastal gardens as it tolerates salty air and poorer soils.

• Regular Watering When Young: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment (first year).  Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, though occasional deep watering in summer keeps foliage fresh.

• Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in Spring to encourage lush foliage.  Add organic mulch (compost, bark chips) around the base to conserve moisture and improve soil.

• Shaping: Prune lightly after flowering or in late Summer to maintain a neat, rounded form.  If used as a hedge, trim once or twice a year to encourage dense growth.  Pittosporum doesn’t always regrow well from old wood, so stick to light shaping.