Little Squirt Pittosporum

Little Squirt Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Little Squirt') is a compact, upright pittosporum that grows 1m to 2m high and about 1m wide. Small silver, bronze and green leaves sit on almost black stems, in a dense, naturally rounded shape that stands straight up. It is the pittosporum to choose for a hedge at fence height rather than a tall screen.

Why you'll love it

• Hedge height scale. At 1m to 2m it makes a low to mid height hedge or border without the reach of the taller cultivars.
• Two-tone foliage. Small leaves in silver, bronze and green stand out against near black stems.
• Frost hardy. It copes with frost and is well suited to Australian conditions.
• Grows straight. A dense, vertical habit gives low maintenance, slender hedges.
• Takes shaping. It clips cleanly into formal hedges and detailed topiary.

Where it works best

Low formal hedges. Plant 60cm apart in a single row. They knit into a solid hedge of 1m to 2m that suits front boundaries and garden rooms.

Mass planting in formal gardens. Repeat the same plant along borders to outline beds and add privacy, setting each plant 60cm from the next.

Topiary and pots. The tight, rounded form clips into balls and cones, and it suits large containers in sun or part shade.

Growing Little Squirt Pittosporum in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is frost hardy and well suited to Australian conditions, and does best in a sheltered position, though it can cope with some coastal breezes. In humid subtropical gardens give it good airflow.

Soil. Well drained soil rich in humus. Mound the planting row on heavy clay, because pittosporums resent wet roots.

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

Pruning. Clip lightly and often for a crisp outline. Its dense growth responds well to regular, gentle shaping.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Little Squirt Pittosporum as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical choice for a longer hedge, while the 140mm pots give you a more developed plant to start with. Plants travel upright, and are best planted out soon after arrival with a good mulch.

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

• Browse all pittosporum
• Screening plants from 1m to 2m
• Plants for topiary and shaping
• How to create a great hedge and keep it sharp

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 60cm apart in a single row. The upright habit means the plants meet without spreading far sideways.

How is it different from James Stirling?

Little Squirt is shorter and rounder, at 1m to 2m, with silver-bronze-green leaves. James Stirling grows taller and more conical, to 2m to 3m.

Is it good for topiary?

Yes. The dense, tidy growth clips into balls, cones and neat low hedges, and it suits detailed formal work.