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black stem pittosporum hedge

Transform your landscape with the striking elegance of a black stem pittosporum hedge. Coveted by New Zealand gardeners for its unique dark stems paired with glossy, vibrant foliage, this hedge is both a versatile design feature and an effortless privacy screen. The black stem pittosporum hedge offers year-round interest—responding well to regular trimming, thriving in a range of conditions, and developing a lush, dense form that’s ideal for shelter, screening, or simply as a stylish border in your garden. With a contemporary look and resilient nature, it’s a top choice for urban homes, coastal properties, and rural settings alike.

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) olive-green foliage and red flowers.

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

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Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green leathery leaves and produces small, fragrant purple flowers in spring, followed by sticky seed capsules. Karo grows 3–5 metres tall and is ideal for hedging, shelterbelts, or coastal planting.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist' small, green foliage.

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.

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
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
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Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
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Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.
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Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
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A Pittosporum 'Little Gem' (Dwarf Pittosporum) plant with fresh green foliage in a garden.
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Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Corokia, and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search black stem pittosporum hedge

Why Choose a Black Stem Pittosporum Hedge?

A black stem pittosporum hedge is one of the most distinctive hedging options available. Its signature dark stems, which contrast beautifully with light green or silver-toned leaves, add depth and visual intrigue. Unlike many traditional hedges, black stem pittosporum combines rapid growth with adaptability—it tolerates wind, salt, and mild frosts, making it perfect for almost any location across New Zealand. Whether you’re looking to create a formal boundary or a casual screen, it’s easy to shape to your desired height and width. As a bonus, pittosporum varieties are generally pest-resistant and low-maintenance, needing only occasional feeding and regular watering while they establish.

Choosing the Right Pittosporum Varieties

The term “black stem pittosporum hedge” typically refers to several Pittosporum tenuifolium cultivars and selections renowned for their dark, almost purplish-black stems. For gardeners seeking the ideal cultivar, consider these favourites:

Planting and Caring for Your Pittosporum Hedge

To establish a healthy black stem pittosporum hedge, select a sunny or lightly shaded site with free-draining soil. Space your plants roughly 80–100 cm apart for a dense screen. Water regularly until established, mulch to retain moisture, and feed with a balanced fertiliser each spring. While pittosporum hedges are tolerant of most conditions, annual pruning keeps them neat and encourages lush growth. Avoid heavy trimming in the heat of summer or the depths of winter to ensure optimum health.

Create a Living Masterpiece

A black stem pittosporum hedge is more than just a garden boundary—it’s an enduring investment in style, privacy, and native biodiversity. Explore our range of Pittosporum cultivars, including Pittosporum Emerald Lake (Black Matipo), Pittosporum 'Oliver Twist', Pittosporum Sumo (Black Matipo), Pittosporum Green Jade (Black Matipo), and Pittosporum tenuifolium to find the perfect fit for your landscape. Let the eye-catching stems and glossy foliage elevate your outdoor space all year round.


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.

Sure, Cereus tetragonus and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' are crowd-pleasers, but Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo), Camellia 'Paradise Helen', and Ribes rubrum are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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