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  • PITTOSPORUM crassifolium
    PITTOSPORUM crassifolium
    © Burncoose Nurseries, all pictures for illustrative purposes only.
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    PITTOSPORUM crassifolium  PITTOSPORUM crassifolium  PITTOSPORUM crassifolium  PITTOSPORUM crassifolium
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    PITTOSPORUM crassifolium

    Commonly known as Karo, Parchment bark

    A very hardy variety which is excellent in coastal conditions with thick leathery leaves and deep purple flowers
    plant size comparison icon
    2 to 3 Litre   - Click to view photo
    Delivery Information
    Available Early Spring 2026
    £17.50 each 
    MULTIBUY SAVING
    Any 3+ £15.00 each
    Available Early Spring 2026 - Spring according to the Met office is defined as March 1st - May 31st. Therefore early spring is early March to mid-April. This is not a guaranteed date but an estimate and subject to availability.
     
    Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
    • Flowering
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      Jan
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      Feb
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      Mar
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      Apr
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      May
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      Jun
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      Jul
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      Aug
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      Sep
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      Oct
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      Nov
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      Dec
    • Pests & Diseases
      Leaf spot, powdery mildew.
    • Place of origin
      New Zealand (North Island)
    • Resistant to honey fungus
      These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
    • Evergreen
      Leaves dark-green above, white or buff-felted beneath, 5-7cm (2-3in) long.
    • Brown or black
    • Purple
      Shades of purple/mauve/lilac/violet
      Deep purple
    • Bell/Lantern
      Tubular-bell-shaped to 1cm (½in) across
    • Border
      Suitable for a large shrub border
    • Coastal / windswept
    • Frost hardy (down to -5)
    • Height
      5-10m (16-33ft)
    • Spread
      2-5m (6½-16ft)
    • Tall Shrub
      Or small tree with ascending stems. Flowers in terminal clusters, males in clusters of up to 10, females in clusters of 5, followed by almost spherical seed capsules to 1.5cm (¾in) across
    • Pruning group 1
      Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
      Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
      When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.

    • Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter
      Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
    • Scented flowers
    • Autumn Seasonal Interest
    • Spring Seasonal Interest
    • Summer Seasonal Interest
    • Winter Seasonal Interest
    • Fertile moist well-drained soil
    • Full sun
    • Partial shade
    • Mature Size
      5-10m (16-33ft)
      Tall Shrub - guide for size not form Average Person
        2-5m (6½-16ft)
       
    View Detailed Plant Description

     

    View Planting Tips and Care Advice
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    Useful extras...

    Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
    A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
    0.9 kg
    £6.00
    Unavailable
    2.5 kg
    £13.00
    Unavailable
    4.5 kg
    £25.00
    Vermin & Pest Control
    This is a non-biological non-chemical plant insecticide and mildewcide. Works against the physical motion of the insect. Perfect for all plants and edible crops.
    500 ml
    £8.00
    Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
    Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
    Small - 60g sachet
    £3.00
    Medium - 150gm sachet
    £6.00
    Large - 360gram sachet
    £12.00
    Unavailable
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