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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’

Tom Thumb Pittosporum

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)