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 4.0Pittosporum 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 4.0Pittosporum

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.

More in the Pittosporum genus

Browse all Pittosporum