Overview
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' is a bushy tree in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' 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 and flower arranging. 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
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plants, Hedging, Flower arranging
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball'
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Red spider mites, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball'?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' need?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' 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 'Golf Ball' grow?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' 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 'Golf Ball'?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.