Pittosporum is one of the hardest-working plants in Australian gardens. Fast-growing, densely evergreen, and extraordinarily adaptable, it earns its reputation as the go-to choice for gardeners across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia who need reliable privacy, wind protection, or structured hedging — without years of waiting.
Whether you're creating a tall boundary screen to block out neighbours, a clipped formal hedge along a driveway, a compact low border, or a lush coastal windbreak, there's a Pittosporum variety perfectly matched to your space, soil, and climate. Online Plants supplies over 20 Pittosporum varieties grown by specialist Australian nurseries and delivered directly to your door — healthy, established, and ready to go in the ground. Every plant is backed by our exclusive 30-Day Guarantee to Grow. No risk. Just results.
Why Pittosporum Is Australia's Most Popular Hedging Plant
Pittosporum tenuifolium and its cultivars have earned a permanent place in Australian landscaping for one simple reason: they deliver on every level. They grow fast — commonly putting on up to 1 metre per year in good conditions — while remaining dense, tidy, and easy to maintain. Unlike many fast-growing alternatives, Pittosporum doesn't get leggy or thin at the base. Regular, light pruning keeps them full from ground level to tip, year after year. Their evergreen foliage means year-round privacy and structure with no seasonal bare patches. With varieties ranging from silvery-green to deep forest green, gold-variegated, and chocolate-purple, Pittosporum adds genuine ornamental value rather than just being a functional screen.
They're also drought tolerant once established, handle coastal salt spray, tolerate light frost down to approximately -5°C depending on the variety, and thrive in full sun or part shade. For Australian conditions — variable, often harsh, and always demanding — few plants perform as consistently as Pittosporum.
Which Pittosporum Is Right for You? Compare All Varieties
Variety
Height
Width
Sun
Growth Rate
Best Use
Screen Master
5–6m
2–3m
Full/Part
Fast (~1m/yr)
Tall privacy screening, boundary hedges
Silver Sheen
4–8m
3–4m
Full/Part
Fast
Coastal screens, formal driveways
Limelight
4–6m
2–3m
Full/Part
Moderate
Colour contrast, mixed borders
James Stirling
3–5m
1.5–2m
Full/Part
Fast
Formal hedging, narrow boundaries
Ivory Sheen
3–5m
2–3m
Full/Part
Moderate
Feature hedges, light foliage screens
Gold Star
3–4m
2m
Full/Part
Moderate
Brightening shaded corners, specimen
Green Pillar
3–4m
0.5–1m
Full/Part
Moderate
Very narrow spaces, pots, pillars
Silver Song
2–3m
1–1.5m
Full/Part
Moderate
Low-medium hedges, variegated interest
Garnetti
3–4m
2m
Full/Part
Moderate
Pink-cream variegated feature hedging
Sunburst
3–4m
2m
Full/Part
Moderate
Bright golden foliage, mixed borders
Miss Muffett
60–90cm
60–90cm
Full/Part
Slow
Low borders, cottage garden edging
Golf Ball
30–40cm
30–40cm
Full/Part
Slow
Ground-level borders, mass planting
Pittosporum Growing Guide by Australian State
Victoria: (Melbourne & surrounds) Victoria's climate is ideal for virtually all Pittosporum varieties. Cold winters, dry summers, and variable spring weather are all well within Pittosporum's tolerance range. Screen Master and Silver Sheen are popular choices for Melbourne suburban boundaries. For bayside gardens exposed to sea breezes, Silver Sheen's coastal tolerance makes it the standout performer. In the Yarra Valley and outer east, frost-tolerant varieties like James Stirling handle cold snaps reliably.
New South Wales (Sydney & surrounds): Sydney's humid summers and mild winters suit Pittosporum very well. For the humidity of Sydney's north shore and Northern Beaches, choose varieties with adequate spacing to allow good air circulation — tight planting in humid conditions can encourage fungal issues. Screen Master and Silver Sheen both perform strongly across coastal, inner-city, and western-suburbs environments.
Queensland (South-East QLD): In SEQ's subtropical climate, Pittosporum performs well but benefits from consistent moisture through hot summers. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water pools after heavy rain — Pittosporum is highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil. James Stirling and Screen Master are robust performers in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
South Australia (Adelaide & surrounds): SA's dry, Mediterranean-style climate suits Pittosporum well once established. Regular deep watering in the first 12 months is critical for strong root establishment. After that, most varieties are largely self-sufficient through dry periods. Gold Star is a popular ornamental choice for Adelaide gardens with its bright, cheerful foliage.
How Many Pittosporum Plants Do I Need for a Hedge?
For a privacy screen or informal hedge: Space plants 1 to 1.5 metres apart. This gives each plant room to develop naturally while filling the space within 2–3 years.
For a formal, clipped hedge: Space plants 0.5 to 0.75 metres apart. Tighter spacing creates density faster and is ideal where you want a neat, trimmed appearance sooner.
Quick calculation: Measure your hedge run in metres, divide by your chosen spacing, then add 1 plant for the final end. For example: a 10-metre hedge at 1m spacing = 11 plants. A 10-metre formal hedge at 0.5m spacing = 21 plants.
Still not sure? Contact our team and we'll work out the exact number for your space — free of charge.
How to Plant and Care for Pittosporum in Australia
Soil preparation - Pittosporum performs best in well-drained soil. In clay-heavy gardens, add gypsum and blend through organic compost before planting. Never plant at the base of a slope where water collects — poor drainage is the single biggest cause of Pittosporum decline. If drainage cannot be improved, form a raised ridge 15–20cm high to keep roots above the waterline.
Planting - Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Backfill with quality potting mix, firm gently, and water in thoroughly with a seaweed solution to support root establishment. Form a raised watering ring around the outer edge of the root zone.
Watering - Water consistently for the first 12 months. Pittosporum needs regular moisture but not wet feet — allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, most varieties are moderately drought-tolerant. During extended dry periods, return to regular deep watering to maintain foliage quality.
Fertilising- Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser such as Osmocote or Dynamic Lifter in early spring and again in autumn. Never place fertiliser directly in the planting hole. A layer of organic mulch over the root zone helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pruning - Ideal pruning times are spring (September–October) and autumn (March–April). For formal hedges, clip 2–3 times during the growing season. When shaping, always aim for a slightly wider base than top — this ensures lower foliage receives adequate light. For hard rejuvenation pruning, reduce by no more than one-third per season.
Pests to watch for
Pittosporum Bug (black beetle) — sucks sap and weakens growth. Treat immediately with garden insecticide.
White Wax Scale — appears as white lumps on stems. Spray with white oil in summer.
Cup Moth Larvae — active in late winter, skeletonises leaves. Remove by hand or treat with contact insecticide.
Delivered Fresh from the Grower to Your Door
Every Pittosporum plant you order from Online Plants travels directly from our specialist Australian growers to your property — no warehousing, no depot delays, no decline in plant health between nursery and home.
Plants arrive established, healthy, and ready to go in the ground the day they arrive. We deliver across Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, and South Australia. Due to biosecurity quarantine restrictions, we're currently unable to deliver to Western Australia, Tasmania, or the Northern Territory.
Our 30-Day Guarantee to Grow is simple: if your plant doesn't establish and grow within 30 days of delivery, we'll make it right. We've been doing this for over 50 years, and we stand behind every plant we sell.
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Varieties
Need to create screening from your neighbours? Pittosporum Tenuifolium plant varieties will be the ideal option. Its hardness, fast & bush growing nature makes Pittosporum hedge plants a perfect screening tree. There are about 20 Varieties of Pittosporum hedge plants available that are perfectly suited for Australian gardens. Based on the Pittosporum plant varieties you choose, you can create screening, hedging, borders or simply grow as an ornamental shrub or a tree.
Plant Information:
Botanical name: Pittosporum
Height: 1 to 4 meters – depending on the variety
Width: up to 2 meters based on the variety
Ideal Place to Grow: most Pittosporum varieties grow well in direct sun or part shade, infertile and well-drained soil. These plants grow well in coastal areas.
Where to Grow: Ground and Container:
Pittosporum is a versatile and beloved plant in Australian gardens, known for its multitude of uses. Beyond its primary role as a screening tree or low hedge, Pittosporum finds its place as an excellent border plant, creating defined edges and adding structure to garden beds. Its glossy, evergreen foliage also lends itself beautifully to ornamental shrubbery, providing year-round interest.
Pittosporum for Screening
Moreover, Pittosporum's adaptability to both ground and container planting makes it a favoured choice for various garden designs. Whether planted as a standalone specimen or in a mixed planting scheme, Pittosporum's hardiness and low-maintenance nature make it a reliable and enduring addition to any landscape.
Today there are over 100 forms of this popular screening plant available. Online Plants have the best range of Pittosporum from the best growers in Australia.
Pittosporum Hedge for Sale
Pittosporum is a favourite for many Australian gardens. Evergreen and very hardy they are ideal as screening trees or low hedges depending on the variety. Online Plants has an extensive range of hedging varieties such as Pittosporum Tenuifolium Limelight, Pittosporum Screen Master, Pittosporum silver sheen, sunburst, limelight, James Stirling, Pittosporum ivory sheen, Pittosporum green pillar, silver song, gold star and garnetti, all of which attain various heights between 6-12 metres, as well as lower growing forms such as golf ball and miss Muffett. The new release golf ball Pittosporum is excellent as a low border plant as it only grows to 30cm tall and requires little if any trimming.
Frequently Asked Question - FAQs
How fast do Pittosporum plants grow?
Most Pittosporum varieties grow 30–60cm per year under average conditions. Fast-growing varieties such as Screen Master and Silver Sheen can achieve up to 1 metre of growth per year in well-draining soil with consistent summer moisture. Growth rate also depends on your climate, soil preparation, and watering consistency in the first year.
How far apart should I plant Pittosporum for a hedge?
For a privacy screen, plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart. For a formal, clipped hedge, space 0.5 to 0.75 metres apart. Avoid planting closer than 40cm, as restricted airflow can encourage fungal issues.
What is the best Pittosporum variety for a tall privacy screen?
Screen Master is widely regarded as the best choice for tall, fast privacy screening in Australian gardens — growing 5–6 metres tall at approximately 1 metre per year, while maintaining dense coverage from base to top. Silver Sheen is an excellent alternative, particularly for coastal and exposed gardens.
What is the best Pittosporum for a narrow garden bed?
Green Pillar is ideal — growing 3–4 metres tall but only 0.5–1 metre wide, it delivers real height and screening without encroaching on paths or neighbouring properties. For low borders, Golf Ball (30–40cm) and Miss Muffett (60–90cm) are excellent compact options.
Are Pittosporum plants suitable for coastal gardens?
Yes. Silver Sheen in particular tolerates salt spray and coastal winds reliably, making it the standout choice for beach-side properties. Most Pittosporum varieties handle coastal conditions better than many popular hedging alternatives.
Do Pittosporum plants lose their leaves in winter?
No. Pittosporum is evergreen and retains its foliage year-round — you won't experience seasonal gaps in privacy, structure, or visual appeal.
Can Pittosporum be grown in pots or containers?
Yes. Golf Ball, Miss Muffett, Green Pillar, and Silver Song all perform well in containers. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball, use quality potting mix, and re-pot every 2–3 years as roots fill the container.
Are Pittosporum plants toxic to dogs or cats?
The most commonly planted garden varieties, including Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Pittosporum), are listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. However, some Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties contain saponins in their leaves and fruit that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset — including vomiting, drooling, or diarrhoea — if ingested in significant quantities. While they are not considered seriously poisonous, we recommend keeping pets away from all newly planted gardens as a general precaution. If your pet shows symptoms after ingesting plant material, contact your local veterinarian promptly.
Why are the lower leaves of my Pittosporum turning brown?
This is most commonly caused by poor drainage and the early stages of root rot. Check soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and if the problem persists, treat with a phosphonate-based anti-rot product. Brown leaves can also indicate summer heat stress — mulch the root zone and increase deep watering frequency.
When is the best time to prune Pittosporum?
The ideal pruning windows are spring (September–October) and autumn (March–April). For formal hedges, light clipping 2–3 times during the growing season maintains shape and density. For hard rejuvenation pruning, never remove more than one-third of growth per season — spread major cuts across 2–3 years for the best recovery.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Hedge? Start Here.
With over 50 years of experience supplying Australian gardeners, Online Plants is Australia's largest and most trusted online nursery. Every Pittosporum plant in our range has been hand-selected by our horticultural team for performance in Australian conditions — not just appearance.
Browse our full range above, or reach out for a free expert consultation on choosing the right variety for your property. We're here to help you get it right the first time. 📞 Free garden consultation — speak to our horticultural team before you buy ✅ 30-Day Guarantee to Grow — your confidence is our commitment 📦 Delivered direct from grower to door — VIC, NSW, QLD, SA & ACT.
