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Description
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon is a popular evergreen shrub in landscaping and gardening. It is a cultivar of Pittosporum Tenuifolium, which is native to New Zealand. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit, with glossy green and cream variegated leaves that are oval-shaped and tapered at the ends. The leaves are about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The plant produces small, fragrant, purple-black flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, dark brown seed capsules.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Pittosporum |
Appearance
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit, with a rounded or oval shape. The leaves are glossy and variegated, with green and cream colors that create a striking contrast. The plant produces small, fragrant, purple-black flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, dark brown seed capsules. The plant is evergreen, so it keeps its leaves year-round and provides year-round interest in the garden or landscape.
Care Guide
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon is a relatively easy plant to care for, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the first year after planting to help establish the roots. After that, the plant can tolerate some drought, but it still needs regular watering during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. You can also feed it with compost or organic matter to improve the soil fertility.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce as many flowers or leaves in low light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, which means it can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of them:
- Sooty mold: This is a fungal disease that often appears on the leaves of the plant as a black, powdery substance. It is caused by insects like aphids or scales that secrete honeydew, which attracts the fungus. To control sooty mold, you need to control the insects that cause it.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. It is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap out of them. They often appear as small, brown bumps on the plant. To control scale insects, you can prune off the affected branches or use insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon is native to New Zealand, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and hillsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels. In cultivation, the plant is often used in landscaping and gardening as a specimen plant, hedge, or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the plant is relatively deer-resistant, as the leaves have a bitter taste that is unpalatable to deer.
Q: Can Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers, as long as you provide it with well-draining soil and adequate water and fertilizer.
Q: How often should I prune Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon?
A: You can prune the plant to shape it or control its size, but it is not necessary. If you do prune it, do so in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Q: Can Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate some salt spray, but it may not thrive in coastal areas with high levels of salt exposure.
Related Plants
- Pittosporum Tenuifolium
- Pittosporum Tobira
- Pittosporum Crassifolium
- Pittosporum Undulatum
References
- “Pittosporum Tenuifolium ‘Marjorie Channon’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 Jul 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c810>.
- “Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 26 Jul 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18934/Pittosporum-tenuifolium-Marjorie-Channon/Details>.
- “Pittosporum Tenuifolium Marjorie Channon.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 26 Jul 2021. <https://plantcaretoday.com/pittosporum-tenuifolium-marjorie-channon.html>.
