Pittosporum ‘Pompom’
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Pompom'
Pittosporum 'Pompom' is a compact evergreen shrub that grows into a neat, rounded ball on its own. It has small, glossy, bright green leaves with wavy edges. Use it wherever you want the structured look of a box ball without the box blight worries or the constant clipping.
- Naturally rounded shape with little or no pruning
- Evergreen, glossy bright green foliage all year
- A box blight-free alternative to Buxus balls
- Ideal for pots, borders, paths and low hedging
Key product facts
Pittosporum ‘Pompom’ Root Types
Choose from our range of Pittosporum ‘Pompom’ sizes and root types below.
Choose your height
Pick a height to see the relevant single-plant and bulk-buy options.
25-30cm
- Pot GrownSingle plants£29.95
£29.95 per plant
- Bulk savingPack of 15Save 10%Original price was: £449.25.£404.30Current price is: £404.30.
£26.95 per plant
- Bulk savingPack of 25Save 15%Original price was: £748.75.£636.40Current price is: £636.40.
£25.46 per plant
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Pompom' is one of the easiest ways to add evergreen structure to a garden. The dark young stems carry dense clusters of small, glossy, wavy-edged leaves. The plant knits itself into a soft, rounded dome, so you get the topiary look without hours of shaping.
In late spring and early summer it produces tiny, dark purple, bell-shaped flowers with a sweet honey scent that is strongest in the evening. Plant one near a seating area or front door to enjoy it.
Every plant is grown and checked at our family-run nursery in Dedham, Essex, before it leaves us. We stay on hand after delivery too, so if you have any questions about planting or aftercare, just get in touch.
A natural alternative to box balls
Box balls have been the classic choice for formal planting for years, but box blight and box tree caterpillar have made them hard work. Pittosporum 'Pompom' gives a very similar effect. It is a tight, rounded evergreen that holds its shape with minimal trimming, and it isn't affected by either problem.
Its foliage is a brighter, fresher green than box, which lifts darker corners and contrasts well with gravel, paving and dark-leaved plants. It works equally well in a contemporary scheme or a cottage garden.
Size, growth and where to plant
'Pompom' is a compact variety and usually reaches about 1-1.2m in height and spread over several years. It is moderate in pace, so it fills out nicely without outgrowing its space.
It does best in full sun or partial shade, in moist but well-drained soil. It is happy on chalk, loam or sandy soils and is a good choice for coastal gardens. Choose a reasonably sheltered spot and avoid ground that sits wet in winter.
Use it in rows to line a path or drive, in pairs either side of a doorway, in containers on a patio, or as repeat planting through a border for rhythm and structure. It also makes a lovely low informal hedge.
Planting and aftercare
Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth it sat in the pot. Firm in well and water thoroughly. Keep it watered through its first spring and summer while the roots establish, especially in dry spells and if it's growing in a container.
Pruning is optional. A light trim in late spring or after flowering keeps the outline crisp if you want a really formal finish. Pittosporum is hardy in most of the UK. In colder, exposed areas, or when planted in pots, it is worth giving some protection during prolonged hard frosts.
Our grower's view
We get a lot of customers who have lost their box balls to blight and want something that gives the same look. 'Pompom' is the plant we point them to. It shapes itself into a neat ball, stays green all year and needs far less fuss. Give it decent drainage and a bit of shelter and it will look smart for years.
Choosing the right hedge
Is Pittosporum 'Pompom' right for you?
A great choice if you want:
- You want neat evergreen balls without regular clipping
- You're replacing box lost to blight or caterpillar
- You're planting pots, patios, paths or front gardens
- You garden near the coast or on free-draining soil
- You'd like a compact low hedge or border edging
Consider another hedge if:
- Your soil is heavy and waterlogged in winter
- The site is very exposed and regularly gets hard frosts
- You need a tall screening hedge for privacy
- You want a deep green or variegated leaf
Buying help
Buying FAQs
How big does Pittosporum 'Pompom' grow?
It is a compact variety that usually reaches around 1-1.2m in height and spread over several years, keeping a naturally rounded shape.
Does Pittosporum 'Pompom' need pruning?
Very little. It forms a ball shape on its own. A light trim in late spring or after flowering is only needed if you want a crisp, formal outline.
Is Pittosporum 'Pompom' a good replacement for box?
Yes. It gives a very similar rounded evergreen look and isn't affected by box blight or box tree caterpillar, which is why so many customers choose it in place of Buxus balls.
Can I grow Pittosporum 'Pompom' in a pot?
Yes, it is excellent in containers. Use a good-quality compost with added grit for drainage, water regularly in summer and give the pot some protection in prolonged hard frosts.
Is Pittosporum 'Pompom' hardy in the UK?
It is hardy in most of the UK, particularly in southern, urban and coastal gardens. In colder, exposed areas, plant it in a sheltered spot with good drainage.
When is the best time to plant Pittosporum 'Pompom'?
Pot-grown plants can go in at most times of year as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. Spring and early autumn are ideal, and plants put in during warm weather will need extra watering.