Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
Tom Thumb Pittosporum
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Small, nearly black or dark purple
- Foliage color
- Deep purple to burgundy, with chartreuse new growth in spring
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Low; requires occasional pruning to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Flowers may attract pollinators like bees
About this plant
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' is a compact evergreen shrub that showcases dramatic, glossy chocolate-purple foliage throughout much of the year. In spring, the young shoots emerge bright green before maturing into their signature dark hue, offering a lovely color contrast during the growing season. Its small, honey-scented flowers, which appear in late spring, are an understated yet delightful feature, blending with the rich tones of the foliage.
This cultivar originates from New Zealand, where the species, known as kohuhu to the Maori people, is native to coastal and lower mountain forests. 'Tom Thumb' is a slow-growing selection that forms a neat, dome-shaped habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens, containers, or as a contrasting element in mixed borders.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Containers · Borders · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Sneezeweed · Barberry · Daisy bush · Blue-eyed grass · Bellflower · Glossy abelia
Design tip
Deep chocolate-purple foliage gives ‘Tom Thumb’ enough weight to anchor a lighter planting scheme, while its neat, dome-shaped silhouette keeps the effect contained and orderly. Bright green spring growth briefly sharpens the contrast before gradually darkening into the plant’s signature tones.
