How Fast Does Pittosporum Grow?

Pittosporum are known for their fast growth, making them one of Australia’s favourite hedge choices. On average, pittosporum grow between 30–60 cm per year, depending on the variety, soil quality, and climate. In good conditions, a hedge can reach full height within 3–5 years, making them a reliable option for quick privacy screens. Growth is fastest in spring and summer when soil is warm and moisture is consistent.

Understanding Growth Rates & Influencing Factors

Pittosporum growth speed depends on more than genetics. Several environmental factors influence how quickly your hedge fills out:

Variety: Fast-growing types like Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Sheen’ or ‘James Stirling’ can add 50–60 cm of height per year. Compact forms such as ‘Golf Ball’ grow more slowly at 10–20 cm annually, but remain neat without heavy pruning.
Climate: Growth is strongest in temperate and subtropical zones. In colder southern areas, winter dormancy slows progress to almost zero until spring returns.
Soil quality: Free-draining soil with adequate organic matter supports faster root expansion, which translates to steady top growth. Heavy clay or poor sandy soils slow development.
Water availability: Adequate, deep watering during establishment ensures continuous growth. Drought stress can halt growth entirely, while waterlogging can cause root rot and stunted plants.
Sunlight: Full sun produces denser foliage and quicker hedging. Plants in partial shade often grow taller but thinner, with reduced branching.

With favourable conditions, pittosporum can reach 2–3 metres in as little as four years. Poor soil, inconsistent watering, or lack of pruning may double the time needed to achieve the same result.

125088139_727815561466250_7021265105365219383_n (1)

463105927_8423833611026417_1171276941629160221_n

How to Maximise Pittosporum Growth

If you want your pittosporum hedge to reach full height quickly, consistent care makes all the difference. Growth is not just about waiting — it’s about setting up conditions that encourage steady progress from the first year onwards.

1. Establishing the hedge: In the first 12 months, water deeply at least once a week and apply mulch to conserve soil moisture. Lightly tip-prune after planting to encourage branching rather than tall, spindly growth.

2. Feeding for speed: A regular fertilising routine significantly increases annual growth rates. A balanced NPK fertiliser encourages leaf production and root development. Fertilise every 6–8 weeks during the growing season for young plants, and twice yearly for established hedges. This prevents nutrient deficiencies that slow growth.

3. Seasonal pruning: Pittosporum respond strongly to pruning. Light, regular trims during spring and summer stimulate side shoots, thickening the hedge and preventing gaps. For hedges, pruning is not just about shape — it directly influences how fast plants fill in horizontally.

4. Managing stress: Growth slows dramatically if pittosporum are stressed. Avoid overwatering, planting in poorly drained soils, or letting soil completely dry out for extended periods. Shelter from strong winds also prevents leaf burn, which can reduce growth momentum.

5. Long-term pace: After 3–5 years, most pittosporum reach their typical hedge height of 3–5 metres. Compact varieties take longer to fill gaps, but remain easier to maintain in smaller spaces. With correct care, even slower varieties can look full within 4–6 years.

With consistent care, many Australian gardeners report that their pittosporum hedge becomes an effective privacy barrier within three years — significantly faster than slower-growing alternatives like boxwood or camellia.

178227761_2642471882717210_1562902497174486170_n (1)

181066686_1431514190516976_3281252052475220245_n (1)

Fertiliser for Sustained Growth

Fertilising pittosporum properly is one of the simplest ways to speed up their natural growth rate. A hedge that receives no additional nutrients often grows slowly and produces pale foliage, while a regularly fed hedge maintains vigorous, green growth year after year.

Spring feeding: Apply fertiliser at the start of the growing season to stimulate new shoots after winter dormancy.
Mid-summer feeding: Reinforces density during the hedge’s second growth flush.
Post-pruning feeding: Essential for helping the plant recover quickly and reshoot strongly.

Liquid fertilisers are especially effective for pittosporum because they provide nutrients quickly and are easy to apply over large hedges with a watering can or sprayer. Slow-release pellets can be added as a background feed, but liquids allow more control throughout the season.

For best results, apply CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre of water. This formula contains nitrogen for leafy growth, phosphorus for strong roots, and potassium for resilience, ensuring pittosporum grow at their full potential year after year.

Quick FAQs

How fast do pittosporum grow in Australia? Around 30–60 cm per year, faster in warm climates with good care.
Which variety grows fastest? Silver Sheen and James Stirling are among the quickest-growing pittosporum.
How long until I have a full hedge? With proper spacing and care, 3–5 years is typical for most varieties.
What helps pittosporum grow faster? Regular watering, seasonal pruning, and feeding with a balanced fertiliser like CompleteGrow’s 20-20-20 liquid.