Overview

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' is a bushy, compact, dense tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, leathery foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen shrubs, hedging, topiary, coastal gardens, courtyard gardens, informal gardens and wall side borders. It is native to New Zealand.

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
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Tree
Habit
Bushy, Compact, Dense
Foliage
Evergreen, Glossy, Leathery
Height
7.0 m
Suggested uses
Specimen shrubs, Hedging, Topiary, Coastal gardens, Courtyard gardens, Informal gardens, Wall side borders
Native to
New Zealand
Fragrance
Scented at night

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green'

Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Powdery mildew, Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green'?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' need?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' 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 'Arundel Green' grow?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' reaches a height of 7.0 m.

Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' hardy in the UK?

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Arundel Green' 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 'Arundel Green'?

Semi-ripe cuttings, Layering.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Pittosporum genus

Browse all Pittosporum →