Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson'

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Key characteristics

Family: Pittosporaceae
Height: 8 to 12 feet
Width: 6 to 10 feet
Flower color: Small deep purple to reddish purple flowers; lightly fragrant
Foliage color: Small glossy oval leaves marbled green and creamy white
Bloom time: Late spring; often May to June
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate moisture during the growing season
Maintenance: Low; prune lightly to shape and maintain a dense compact habit and remove reverted green shoots
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinating insects

Shrubs

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson'

Irene Patterson Pittosporum

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Irene Patterson' produces small, dark maroon to near-black flowers in late spring, the blooms releasing a light honey fragrance as they open along the slender stems. The blossoms appear among variegated leaves marked with irregular creamy white and soft green mottling across the surface. The oval foliage has gently wavy margins and is carried on dark stems, creating a layered pattern of light and shadow throughout the plant.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate moisture during the growing season

Bloom time

Late spring; often May to June

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Borders
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Peony · Cotoneaster · Wallflower · Fountain grass · Tickseed · Escallonia

Design tip

Make the variegation a focal feature by setting ‘Irene Patterson’ against a visually simple backdrop, where its irregular cream-and-green pattern can remain distinct. Pink tones that develop in cooler weather introduce an additional seasonal layer to the evergreen display.