Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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black pittosporum

If you're searching for "black pittosporum" to bring sophisticated depth and contrast into your New Zealand garden, you're in the right place. Known for their striking dark foliage and versatile growing habits, black pittosporum varieties are sought after for hedging, screening, and eye-catching accent planting. Their moody tones pair beautifully with lighter greens and silver-leafed natives, lending a modern edge to both contemporary and cottage-style gardens.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a fast-growing, evergreen native tree ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter in New Zealand gardens. It features wavy-edged green leaves on distinctive dark stems and produces small, sweetly scented purple flowers in spring. Reaching 4–6 metres tall, Kohuhu thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to coastal, windy, and dry conditions. Its tidy, upright form makes it a versatile and low-maintenance landscaping choice.

Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium

From $229.04

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 10.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is a NZ native shrub with small, olive-green leaves held densely on narrow, black stems. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide and can be trimmed as necessary. Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' is an excellent choice for hedging, growing around pools and barbecue areas, adding to a mixed planting, or growing as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Buy Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist'

From $25.58

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native

What Is Black Pittosporum?

"Black pittosporum" typically refers to cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium and related hybrids that display particularly dark, purple-black or deep green leaves. These evergreen shrubs and small trees are endemic to New Zealand and are prized for their lush foliage, easy-care nature, and adaptability to a wide range of garden conditions.

Popular black pittosporum options include Pittosporum Sumo (Black Matipo), which is noted for its robust habit and rich, glossy leaves, as well as Pittosporum Miracle (Black Matipo), a favourite among landscapers for its dense form and dramatic colouring. These cultivars can elevate any border or hedge, creating instant structure and visual interest.

Uses in the Garden

Black pittosporum serves as an outstanding hedge or screen, offering privacy with year-round foliage. Its tolerance to regular trimming makes it easy to shape into neat formal hedges or to let grow naturally for a more relaxed boundary. A row of Pittosporum Elizabeth (Black Matipo) creates a graceful backdrop for lighter flowering perennials or mass-planted natives.

These plants are also well-suited to smaller urban gardens, courtyard designs, and pot displays. Use black pittosporum as feature shrubs to highlight pathways or entrances, or group them in mixed plantings for colour contrast with silvers and reds.

How to Grow Black Pittosporum

Adaptable and tough, black pittosporum thrives in full sun to part shade and copes well with wind, coastal exposure, and moderate drought once established. Well-drained soil is essential—these plants dislike waterlogged roots. A yearly mulch and slow-release feed in spring helps maintain lush growth.

While relatively pest-free, young plants benefit from shelter while they establish. Regular pruning promotes dense, bushy growth and helps keep your hedge or screen looking tidy.

Popular Black Pittosporum Varieties

For gardeners wanting specific recommendations, here are some top choices:

Pittosporum Sumo (Black Matipo) – Noted for its dense, upright form and glossy black-green leaves.
Pittosporum Miracle (Black Matipo) – Features dramatic colouring and stays compact.
Pittosporum Emerald Lake (Black Matipo) – Offers a unique deep-toned look with strong garden performance.
Pittosporum Elizabeth (Black Matipo) – A classic choice for larger hedging and screening needs.

If you’d like to explore other options within the species, the classic Pittosporum tenuifolium is a versatile backbone plant for many native gardens.

Bringing Black Pittosporum Into Your Garden

Whether you want to create a dramatic hedge, a sculptural accent, or simply add year-round interest to your outdoor space, black pittosporum is an easy-care, visually striking choice. Shop our range of black pittosporum varieties and discover how this New Zealand native can transform your landscape with its elegant dark tones and adaptable nature.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.