Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium is a bushy, rounded, columnar, dense, compact tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, wavy-edged foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen plants, hedging, topiary and coastal planting. It is native to New Zealand North and New Zealand South.
About
Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand – growing up to 10 m (33 ft) – commonly known as kōhūhū and black matipo, and by other Māori names kohukohu and tawhiwhi. Its small, very dark, reddish-purple flowers generally go unnoticed, and are scented only at night.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum tenuifolium
About the genus
Pittosporum is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. Plants in the genus Pittosporum are shrubs or trees with leaves arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers are arranged singly or in cymes, with white to yellow petals fused at the base forming a short tube, with stamens that are free from each other.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pittosporum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pittosporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy, Rounded, Columnar, Dense, Compact
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy, Wavy-edged
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plants, Hedging, Topiary, Coastal planting
- Native to
- New Zealand North, New Zealand South
- Fragrance
- scented only at night
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium?
Pittosporum tenuifolium prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Pittosporum tenuifolium grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pittosporum tenuifolium?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, Seed.
