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Description
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen, also known as Silver Queen Kohuhu, is a native New Zealand shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Pittosporum family and is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and compact growth habit. The plant has a natural conical shape and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its leaves are long, slender, and silver-green, making it a striking addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Pittosporum |
| Species | Tenuifolium |
Appearance
The leaves of Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen are long, slender, and silver-green. They are glossy and have a wavy margin, which adds texture to the plant. The plant has a natural conical shape and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Its branches are dense and compact, which makes it an ideal plant for shaping and pruning. The plant produces small, fragrant, dark purple flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, brown, woody capsules that contain the plant’s seeds.
Care Guide
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will grow best in full sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It can tolerate some frost, but it will not survive in areas with severe winters.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen is native to New Zealand and is commonly found in coastal areas and forests. It prefers a mild climate with moderate rainfall and is well-suited to coastal gardens and landscapes. The plant is also drought tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots. Use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize the plant regularly.
Q: Does Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen require pruning?
A: Yes, the plant benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How often should I water Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering during the winter months.
Q: Can Pittosporum Tenuifolium Silver Queen tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant is salt-tolerant and can grow in coastal areas with high salt spray.
Related Plants
- Pittosporum Tobira
- Pittosporum Eugenoides
- Pittosporum Crassifolium
- Pittosporum Tenuifolium
- Pittosporum Undulatum
References
- “Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h620.
- “Pittosporum tenuifolium.” Australian Plant Information. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp9/pittosporum-tenuifolium.html.
- “Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Queen.” Gardenia. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/pittosporum-tenuifolium-silver-queen.
