## Pittosporum Green Pillar: A Striking Vertical Accent for Your Landscape

Pittosporum Green Pillar (*Pittosporum tenuifolium* 'Green Pillar') is a captivating evergreen shrub renowned for its upright, columnar form and dense, lustrous foliage. With its easy-care nature and versatile appeal, this plant is a perfect choice for adding structure and visual interest to a wide array of landscapes.

### Unveiling the Charm of Pittosporum Green Pillar

Pittosporum Green Pillar stands tall and proud, reaching heights of 10-15 feet with a slender width of only 3-4 feet. This narrow, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, narrow spaces, or as a striking focal point in larger landscapes.

The dense foliage consists of deep green, glossy leaves that are elongated and lance-shaped. This rich, evergreen color provides a year-round visual impact, adding vibrancy to the landscape even during winter months.

Pittosporum Green Pillar is also prized for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. In spring, the plant bursts forth with clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that emit a sweet, honey-like fragrance. These attractive blooms attract pollinators, adding a touch of life and color to your garden.

### Planting and Care: A Simple Yet Effective Approach

Pittosporum Green Pillar is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. With proper care, you can enjoy its beauty for many years to come.

1. Site Selection:

* Sunlight: Pittosporum Green Pillar prefers a full sun to partial shade location, receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This will ensure vigorous growth and optimal flower production.

* Soil: This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soil. Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot.

* Spacing: Allow 3-4 feet between plants to give them ample room to grow and reach their full potential.

2. Planting:

* Time: The best time to plant Pittosporum Green Pillar is in spring or fall when the weather is mild.

* Preparation: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.

* Planting: Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil, firmly pressing it around the roots.

3. Watering:

* Establishment: Water deeply and frequently during the first year after planting, especially during dry periods. This will help establish a strong root system.

* Maintenance: Once established, Pittosporum Green Pillar is drought-tolerant and only requires watering during periods of prolonged drought.

* Avoid overwatering: This can lead to root rot and other problems.

4. Fertilizing:

* Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.

* Frequency: Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.

* Avoid excessive fertilization: This can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

5. Pruning:

* Shape and Size: Prune Pittosporum Green Pillar in late winter or early spring to maintain its desired shape and size.

* Selective Pruning: Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

* Avoid heavy pruning: This can stress the plant and reduce flowering.

### Unleashing the Design Potential: Landscape Applications

Pittosporum Green Pillar is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, adding structure, texture, and color to your outdoor spaces.

1. Hedge and Screening:

* Dense foliage: The dense foliage of Pittosporum Green Pillar makes it an excellent choice for creating a privacy hedge or screening.

* Formal or informal hedges: This plant can be pruned to create formal, manicured hedges or allowed to grow naturally for a more informal look.

2. Focal Point:

* Striking vertical form: Pittosporum Green Pillar is a captivating focal point in the landscape, attracting attention with its upright form and vibrant foliage.

* Front Yard or Courtyard: Use it as a dramatic centerpiece in a front yard or courtyard, creating a striking visual impact.

3. Mass Planting:

* Create visual interest: Mass plantings of Pittosporum Green Pillar create a dynamic and textural landscape.

* Varying Heights and Colors: Plant Pittosporum Green Pillar alongside other shrubs and flowers with contrasting heights and colors to create a vibrant and visually appealing landscape.

4. Container Planting:

* Versatile option: Pittosporum Green Pillar can be grown in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios, balconies, and other outdoor spaces.

* Urban Gardens: This plant is a perfect choice for small urban gardens where space is limited.

### The Beauty Beyond the Basics: Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, the species from which Pittosporum Green Pillar is derived, is known for its variety of cultivars with unique characteristics. These cultivars offer a range of foliage colors, textures, and forms, making it possible to find the perfect Pittosporum for your needs.

1. 'Silver Sheen': This cultivar boasts silver-grey foliage with a glossy finish, adding a striking contrast to any landscape.

2. 'Tom Thumb': A compact, slow-growing cultivar, 'Tom Thumb' features deep green, glossy leaves and reaches heights of 3-4 feet, making it ideal for small gardens and containers.

3. 'Variegatum': This cultivar is prized for its variegated foliage with creamy white margins. It adds a bright and cheerful touch to the landscape.

4. 'Red Beauty': 'Red Beauty' is known for its deep red, new growth that matures to a dark green, providing a stunning display of color throughout the year.

5. 'Garnet': This cultivar features dark green leaves with bronze-red new growth, adding a touch of warmth and color to the landscape.

Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivars offer a wide range of options to suit different landscape styles and preferences. By exploring the variety of cultivars, you can discover the perfect Pittosporum to enhance the beauty and character of your outdoor space.

### Beyond the Aesthetics: The Practical Benefits

Pittosporum Green Pillar is not only visually appealing, but it also offers a number of practical benefits:

1. Low Maintenance: With its drought-tolerant nature and easy-care requirements, Pittosporum Green Pillar is a perfect choice for busy gardeners or those looking to minimize their landscape maintenance.

2. Pest and Disease Resistant: This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, further reducing the need for chemical treatments.

3. Air Purification: Pittosporum Green Pillar is known to purify the air, removing toxins and pollutants. This makes it an excellent choice for improving the air quality around your home or garden.

4. Wildlife Habitat: The sweet-scented flowers of Pittosporum Green Pillar attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

5. Versatility: Its adaptability to various conditions and versatile design applications make Pittosporum Green Pillar a valuable addition to any landscape, from small urban gardens to large rural properties.

Conclusion

Pittosporum Green Pillar is a captivating evergreen shrub that offers a striking combination of beauty, versatility, and practicality. Its upright form, dense foliage, fragrant flowers, and easy-care nature make it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscaping applications. Whether you are looking to create a privacy hedge, a focal point, or simply add texture and color to your garden, Pittosporum Green Pillar is a plant that is sure to impress. By understanding its planting and care requirements, you can ensure its healthy growth and enjoy its beauty for many years to come.