Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Paterson'

Pittosporums are classic foliage shrubs, hardy in mild areas and seaside gardens where they make fine hedges, but elsewhere needing the shelter of a warm wall, or alternatively cultivation in pots.

Pittosporum tenuifolium is one of the hardiest pittosporums, with neat, evergreen foliage on conspicuous black twigs. The flowers are small but noticeably honey-scented and a beguiling shade of chocolate-purple.

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Paterson' has creamy young leaves which mature to deep green marbled with white, and become flushed pink in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).