James Stirling Pittosporum

James Stirling Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling') is a slim, upright screening plant that reaches 2m to 3m high but only about 1m wide. Tiny grey-green leaves with a slight ripple sit on dark stems in a naturally conical, very dense shape. It gives a boundary a fine, silvery texture without eating into the garden.

Why you'll love it

• A slim footprint. About 1m wide, so it fits narrow side passages and tight boundaries where a bulky hedge would not.
• Fine grey-green leaves. Tiny, slightly rippled leaves on dark stems give a delicate texture that reads as formal without being stiff.
• Dense from the base. The conical shape and very dense habit leave little see-through between plants.
• Responds to clipping. Light, regular trims keep it tidy, and it takes well to topiary.
• Forgives hard pruning. If it outgrows its space, it regrows after a hard cut.

Where it works best

Narrow privacy screens. Plant 70cm apart in a single row. At about 1m wide the plants merge into a continuous slim screen of 2m to 3m.

Formal hedges. The upright, conical habit holds a neat line when clipped lightly and often.

Topiary and pots. It clips well into cones, balls and pillars, and a large pot by a doorway shows off the fine foliage.

Growing James Stirling Pittosporum in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or shade, though a sheltered spot gives the best growth. It can stand some coastal breezes and frosts, and suits temperate gardens best. In humid subtropical gardens give it good airflow and avoid watering the leaves in the evening.

Soil. Well drained soil enriched with humus, such as compost. Drainage matters more than anything else, so on heavy clay mound the planting row.

Water and feed. Water frequently until established, then check the soil moisture during dry spells. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and again in autumn.

Pruning. Prune to maintain the shape and keep growth compact. It will regrow after a hard prune if you need to cut it back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell James Stirling Pittosporum as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical choice for a long screen. Plants travel upright. Plant them out soon after they arrive, with a good mulch and plenty of water to start.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The full pittosporum range
• Tall and narrow screening plants
• Compare our best hedging plants
• Pittosporum care guide for screens and hedges

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 70cm apart in a single row for a continuous screen. The plants are slim but dense, so closer spacing is rarely needed.

How tall will it get?

Expect 2m to 3m high and about 1m wide. Light, regular clipping holds it lower if you want a shorter hedge.

Will it grow in shade?

Yes, it grows in sun or shade, though a sheltered position is better than an exposed, windy one.