Scientific name: Pittosporum tenuifolium
Family: PITTOSPORACEAE
Common names: “New Zealand pittosporum” “tawhiwhi” “kohuhu”
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub to small tree
Conditions:
Zone: 9-10
Light: Full sun – semi-shade
Exposure: Sheltered from winter winds
Soil: Average soils with less clay
Moisture: Moist well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 12′-30′ W 6′-16′
Leaf and Stem shape: Handsome glossy leaves with a wavy edge on elegant dark stems, varying in size
Flower: Tiny honey scented black-red flowers
Pruning: Can prune severely even as a hedge, prune in spring
Maintenance: Fast growing, may need protection in cold winters
Landscape use: Hedge, screen plant, shrub mound
Propagate: By seed or layering
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
*Deer don’t like it but will eat it
Comments: Lots of variety within the species, easy growing
Cultivars: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘gold star’ – each leaf is gold and green with a cream midrib
P. t. ‘Tom thumb’ – Purple foliage, seems to be the hardiest of them all in cold
