Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 10 metres tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
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.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 10 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Cushion scale, Pittosporum sucker
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum'?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' reaches a height of 10 metres.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Atropurpureum'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
