When to Prune Pittosporum in Australia

Pruning pittosporum at the right time makes the difference between a thin, patchy hedge and a dense, thriving one. In Australia, the best times to prune are late winter to early spring, and again in mid-summer if needed. This seasonal routine encourages fresh shoots, improves hedge density, and keeps the shape neat without stressing the plant.

Best Time of Year to Prune

The most reliable time to prune pittosporum in Australia is late winter through early spring. This timing lines up with the natural growth cycle, as pittosporum produce their strongest flush of new shoots during spring. Cutting just before this growth spurt allows the hedge to recover quickly and fill out evenly.

A second light trim in mid-summer can help maintain the hedge shape and encourage branching. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn or winter in frost-prone areas, as new growth can be damaged by cold conditions.

Late winter/early spring: Major prune for shaping and density.
Mid-summer: Light trim to control height and encourage thickness.
Autumn: Minimal trimming only — focus on tidying.

By following this schedule, pittosporum hedges maintain strong growth without gaps or dieback.

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How Hard Can You Cut Back Pittosporum?

Pittosporum tolerate pruning well and can be cut back quite hard if required. A general rule is that you can safely remove up to one-third of the plant’s height or width during a major prune. This is best done in late winter when the plant is less stressed and ready to burst into growth as temperatures rise.

If a hedge has become leggy or overgrown, hard pruning will rejuvenate it. In most cases, pittosporum will reshoot strongly even from old wood. For thickening a young hedge, light but regular tip pruning every few months works best. This promotes bushy growth and ensures a solid screen from the base up.

Young hedges: Light, frequent trimming every 2–3 months during the growing season.
Established hedges: Heavy prune once a year, with a light touch-up in summer.
Overgrown hedges: Cut back by one-third in late winter for rejuvenation.

Always use clean, sharp tools and avoid pruning in extreme heat or drought, as this can stress the plant.

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Fertilising After Pruning

Pruning and feeding go hand in hand. After cutting, pittosporum respond best to a balanced fertiliser that supports leafy regrowth and overall plant health. In Australia, apply fertiliser immediately after your main late winter prune, and again after the mid-summer trim if growth looks sluggish.

Liquid feeding: Quick nutrient uptake to fuel new shoots.
Balanced NPK: Ensures strong foliage, roots, and stems.
Water in well: Helps nutrients soak into the root zone and reduces leaf burn.

For best results, use CompleteGrow’s All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20-20-20 at 4 ml per litre of water. This formula gives pittosporum the nitrogen for lush foliage, phosphorus for root recovery, and potassium for overall resilience after pruning.

Quick FAQs

When is the best month to prune pittosporum? Late winter to early spring in most Australian regions.
Can I prune in summer? Yes, but keep it light — a trim in mid-summer helps maintain density.
How much can I cut back? Up to one-third of the hedge during major pruning sessions.
Should I fertilise after pruning? Yes, feeding with a balanced NPK fertiliser promotes fast, healthy regrowth.