Pittosporum Hedge Care: Planting, Pruning & Fertiliser Guide

Pittosporum hedges are one of Australia’s most reliable choices for creating fast, dense screens with glossy evergreen foliage. To grow them successfully, you need the right planting spacing, a seasonal pruning routine, and a balanced fertiliser plan. This guide explains exactly how to plant, prune, and feed pittosporum so your hedge establishes quickly and stays healthy year-round.

Planting & Growth: How Far Apart and How Fast?

Pittosporum varieties such as Silver Sheen and James Stirling are popular hedge choices because of their rapid growth and upright habit. When planting a hedge, spacing is critical. For a dense wall, set plants 80 cm to 1 metre apart. If you want a more open, informal screen, extend this to 1.5 metres. The closer you plant, the quicker the hedge will close in.

In Australian conditions, pittosporum can grow 30–60 cm per year, reaching full height (3–5 metres depending on variety) in 3–5 years. Growth is fastest in spring and summer when temperatures are warm and soil moisture is consistent.

When to plant: Autumn or early spring in most regions. In colder climates, wait until the last frost has passed.
Soil: Free-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil is best. Avoid waterlogged areas.
Sunlight: Full sun gives the densest growth, but partial shade is tolerated.

With the right start, pittosporum establishes quickly and becomes one of the most low-maintenance hedges for Australian gardens.

13267326_769531789854998_1970958990_n (1)

178227761_2642471882717210_1562902497174486170_n (1)

Pruning & Trimming: When and How Hard?

Pittosporum respond well to pruning, making them easy to shape into formal hedges or maintain as natural screens. The best time to prune is late winter through early spring, just before the main growth flush. A second trim in mid-summer helps maintain density and shape.

Light pruning: Trim 10–20 cm off the tips to encourage branching and thicken the hedge.

Hard pruning: Pittosporum can be cut back by up to one-third of their size. If a hedge has become leggy, cut back harder in late winter when stress is lowest. They generally reshoot strongly from old wood.

To thicken a hedge quickly:

Prune lightly but often during the first two years of growth.
Trim the sides narrower at the top than the base to allow light into lower branches.
Avoid cutting during extreme heatwaves or drought conditions.

With a consistent pruning schedule, pittosporum form tight, dense hedges that stay lush year-round.

277545955_1038351460092337_6308384064896959199_n (1)

181066686_1431514190516976_3281252052475220245_n (1)

Fertilising Pittosporum for Strong Growth

Fertilising is essential for pittosporum, especially during their rapid growth years. A balanced NPK fertiliser ensures strong foliage, sturdy stems, and resistance to pests and diseases. Feed pittosporum twice yearly – in early spring and mid-summer – for best results.

Young plants: Apply fertiliser every 6–8 weeks during the first growing season.
Established hedges: Two seasonal applications are usually enough.
Watering in: Always water well after fertilising to carry nutrients into the root zone.

For a premium feeding solution, use CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20. At 4 ml per litre of water, it delivers a balanced nutrient profile that promotes dense green foliage, fast establishment, and consistent growth throughout the year.

Quick FAQs

How far apart should I plant pittosporum? 80 cm to 1 metre for a dense hedge, up to 1.5 metres for a looser screen.
When is the best time to prune? Late winter or early spring, with a light trim again in mid-summer.
How fast do pittosporum grow? Around 30–60 cm per year in Australian conditions.
What fertiliser works best? A balanced NPK such as CompleteGrow’s 20-20-20 liquid fertiliser applied twice a year.