Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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dwarf variegated pittosporum

Discover the striking charm and versatility of dwarf variegated pittosporum—an ideal choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking a compact, colourful shrub that suits both modern landscaping and classic cottage gardens. Known for its neat, rounded growth and elegant foliage with creamy-white margined leaves, dwarf variegated pittosporum easily elevates any space with year-round visual interest. This low-maintenance shrub works beautifully for hedging, borders, and container gardening, making it a popular option for small gardens or tight spaces.

A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple flowers in spring. It grows with a rounded habit to about 80 cm tall and the same wide. Pittosporum 'Midget' is ideal for adding to mixed and border plantings, maintaining in a container, using to border an entrance, or for planting around outdoor living areas. It's architectural properties that make this a popular choice with landscape designers.

Buy Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

From $40.43

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 80 cm

Spread: 80 cm

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to about 1 m tall and the same wide. This hardy plant is ideal for including in a mixed planting, growing in a container, including in rock gardens, or using in border plantings. Pittosporum Small Ball also looks great when planted around water features such as ponds or swimming pools.

Buy Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Variegation and Size: Why Choose Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum?

The appeal of dwarf variegated pittosporum lies in its compact form and eye-catching leaf pattern. Unlike larger Pittosporum varieties, dwarf types typically reach just 1-1.5 metres in height and remain well-behaved, requiring minimal pruning to keep their shape. Their variegated foliage—subtle shades of green edged in creamy white—adds light and texture to your plant palette. These qualities make dwarf variegated pittosporum a favourite for mixed borders, accent plantings, and street-facing gardens where neatness and impact matter.

Ideal Uses in New Zealand Gardens

Dwarf variegated pittosporum thrives in a wide range of NZ conditions, from coastal gardens to urban courtyards. It tolerates wind and salt, is not fussy about soil, and grows well in both sun and partial shade. Its tight growth habit means it’s a superb choice for hedgerows or formal edging. If you're aiming for a low hedge or want a living boundary that stays tidy, dwarf variegated pittosporum is up to the task. These versatile shrubs also shine in containers, adding structure to patios or front steps without outgrowing their space.

Caring for Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum

Maintaining a healthy dwarf variegated pittosporum is simple. Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during the first year. Once established, these plants are quite drought-tolerant and rarely troubled by pests. A light trim in late winter or early spring keeps them dense and encourages fresh, variegated growth. Their resilience—combined with stunning looks—means you’ll enjoy vibrant foliage and lush form with very little effort.

Popular Dwarf Pittosporum Varieties

If you love the characteristics of dwarf variegated pittosporum, you might also wish to explore other compact Pittosporum varieties available in New Zealand nurseries. Popular options include:

These selections feature similar dwarf habits, and each brings its own distinct foliage or growth style—making them excellent companions or alternatives for your garden design.

Elevate Your Garden with Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum

Whether you’re looking to create a designer border, freshen up your patio, or plant a stylish low hedge, dwarf variegated pittosporum gives you lasting performance and lively colour. Explore our range of dwarf Pittosporum varieties and transform your garden with shrubs renowned for beauty and reliability.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.