Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson'

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 4'-5'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

7a-11

More Options

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson' plant details

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring black and red flowers emerge followed by black fruit. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: pittosporaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: black and red blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, dense, fragrant, spotted leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson'

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular

Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Selected in the wild on New Zealand's South Island, we brought this cultivar back from England in the mid 1990s. Strikingly white speckled variegation on leaves emerging nearly all cream and aging to spring-green and held on typical black stems make this 4 - 5', dense shrub a standout in the garden. Small blackish flowers, with the typical, dianthus-like, spicy fragrance, can actually be seen in spring with the naked eye against the light colored leaves. A wonderful container plant or garden subject with regular water, dappled sun or full sun out of the most glaring conditions, and leanish soil. Has taken low temperatures to near 0 °F in England. A champion during a ferocious, 3 day, December freeze in 2009, so definitely frost hardy in upper USDA zone 7.