Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Tawhiwhi, Kohuhu, Black Matipo, New Zealand Pittosporum
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Description
Pittosporum tenuifolium or small-leaved Pittosporum is native to New Zealand. It is a vigorous and dense shrub with an upright habit and beautiful glossy green foliage. Its shiny small leaves have a vibrant light green colour and are marked by a pale cream to yellow central line. In May-June, its small dark flowers release a delicious honey fragrance, especially at night. This plant thrives in mild climates and will do well in sunny, well-drained soil in a dry garden or in a large pot which can be protected in cold climates. Suitable for coastal areas.
This Pittosporum belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and is native to dry regions east of the New Zealand Alps. It has a columnar shape when young, but with time it forms a dense, rounded shrub measuring 1.50 m (5ft) to 2 m (7ft) in all directions. Its black and slender branches enhance the elegance of its foliage. The plant has evergreen, alternate, entire, ovate, thick, glossy, leathery leaves with particularly undulate edges. The leaves are small, not exceeding 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in length and 1.5 to 2 cm (1in) in width. The flowering occurs in late spring or early summer. The small cup-shaped flowers, less than 1 cm (1in) in diameter, release a fragrance that is particularly noticeable at night. They are followed by the formation of a few round fruits that start off green and then turn almost black when ripe.
Hardy down to -7C°/-10°C, Pittosporum tenuifolium thrives in dry, non-calcareous, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location protected from prevailing winds. It tolerates coastal conditions, making it suitable for use in an informal hedge or a seaside garden. In mild climates, it can also be planted on a large slope or in the back of a border. Pair it with Pistacia lentiscus, Olearia, lavender, rosemary, Grevillea, Escallonia or combine it with the silver foliage of Atriplex halimus. Further away from the sea, it can also be planted alongside Oleanders, Eleagnus, Pineapple Broom (Cytisus battandieri), or Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia). In colder regions, it can be grown in a pot on a terrace to enjoy its delicate fragrance and Mediterranean charm.
Pittosporum tenuifolium in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Pittosporum
tenuifolium
Pittosporaceae
Tawhiwhi, Kohuhu, Black Matipo, New Zealand Pittosporum
Oceania
Planting and care
Pittosporum tenuifolium should preferably be planted in spring in a cold climate, or in September-October in mild climate. Plant it in a fertile, dry, not too chalky and well-drained soil. At planting, mix leaf compost and coarse sand with your garden soil, up to 50%. Water your plant well once or twice a week to promote good root growth. Not very hardy , to -7°C/-10°C (14°F), choose a warm location, in full sun which is sheltered from prevailing winds. Keep the base of the plant mulched. Plant it along a south-facing wall in regions with harsh winters. In cooler climates, cover it with a winter veil or shelter it in a frost-free conservatory for the winter season. To help it branch out during the first years of planting, pinch the young shoots. Prune mature plants at the end of the season, removing the branches that appear untidy. It is entirely possible to shape it into a ball or a hedge, as it tolerates pruning well.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.