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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 tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

5 from 4 customers

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.

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' 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. 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.

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-jade-3

Pittosporum Jade

Pittosporum Jade is a NZ native shrub that features slender, dark-coloured stems which bear small, jade-green leaves which are held densely. This...

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Pittosporum eugenioides variegatum lush foliage.

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum, commonly known as Variegated Tarata, features slender, dark coloured stems which bear dark green leaves with a...

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

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as Karo, is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It features dense, grey-green...

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Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

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Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

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Pittosporum Silver Pillar

Pittosporum Silver Pillar is a NZ native that features small leaves that are variegated mid-green with a cream margin and held on dark stems. It...

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Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

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Pittosporum Frankies Folly

Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its naturally rounded form and dense foliage. This hardy New Zealand native...

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Pittosporum Millfield Magic

Pittosporum Millfield Magic is a compact NZ native shrub that produces fresh-green foliage with silver overtones. This evergreen typically grows to 3...

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Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

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Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata features dark green leaves that are edged with cream and held densely on dark stems. This is a very tidy NZ native...

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Pittosporum 'Golf Ball' (Dwarf Pittosporum) shrub with lush green foliage in a garden.

Pittosporum Golf Ball

Pittosporum 'Golf Ball' is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, renowned for its dense, rounded form and vibrant green foliage. This...

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A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.

Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Midget' is a dwarf variety that features foliage made up of small, fresh green leaves. The foliage is complemented with small, purple...

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Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.

Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

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Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

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Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

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Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' bushy plants in pots.

Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen'

Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub admired for its delicate, silvery-green foliage and airy appearance. Ideal for hedging...

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Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

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Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.

Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

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Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

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Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.

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Ophiopogon 'Black Dragon' (Black Mondo) grass plant.

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Pittosporum tenuifolium

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Coprosma, Ficus, Hebe, Olive, Ophiopogon Phormium and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Flaxes, Olive Trees, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants 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.


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–The Plant Company

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