Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

pittosporum black matipo

Pittosporum black matipo is a highly sought-after native New Zealand shrub or small tree, ideal for creating hedges, screens, or adding structure and lush greenery to your garden. Renowned for its attractive, deep green to almost black foliage, black matipo is both hardy and versatile, making it a favourite among Kiwi gardeners. Whether you're establishing a coastal shelterbelt, looking for a low-maintenance hedge, or simply want to add year-round interest to your landscape, pittosporum black matipo is a smart and stylish choice. In this page, you’ll find expert advice on growing, caring for, and selecting the perfect black matipo variety for your needs.

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

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

5 from 5 customers

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: 4.00 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 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...

From$22.01
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...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$102.84
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' plant for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

From$22.01
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...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' shrubs with light green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi'

Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' is a compact New Zealand native evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy...

From$20.63
Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' shrubs.
Pittosporum 'Little Squirt'

Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy form. This dwarf...

From$26.15
pittosporum-jade-3
Pittosporum 'Jade'

Pittosporum 'Jade' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive green foliage, and versatility in the landscape. This...

From$22.01
Pittosporum 'Frankies Folly' shrub with lush green foliage growing in a garden.
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...

From$26.15
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...

From$206.50
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...

From$15.04
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...

From$22.01
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai) juvenile tree growing as a specimen in a park.
Prumnopitys taxifolia (Matai)

Prumnopitys taxifolia, commonly known as Matai or Black Pine, is a stately, NZ native tree with quite different juvenile and adult forms. The...

From$309.51
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
Black Polythene - 1 m Wide

Black Polythene - 1 m Wide is a practical plastic sheeting option for garden, nursery, and landscaping applications. The black finish helps block...

From$138.40
Rhododendron 'Black Magic' stunning, dark red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
black-polythene-2-m-wide-
2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades. Available...

From$254.60
Large Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) plants growing in clumps beside a path.
Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the more elegant and interesting bamboo varieties. It features erect, black stems that...

From$387.55
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$17.95
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' lush foliage.
Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' is a dramatic perennial renowned for its intensely dark foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

From$20.63
Black Doris' plums.
Plum 'Black Doris'

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$340.69
heuchera-black-taffeta--3
Heuchera 'Black Taffeta'

Heuchera 'Black Taffeta' is a dramatic perennial prized for its deeply cut, almost black foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round...

From$22.01
Photinia Black Jack dark red foliage.
Photinia 'Black Jack'

Photinia 'Black Jack' is a distinctive evergreen shrub valued for its deep red to burgundy new growth, glossy green mature foliage, and dense...

From$18.95
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.
Sansevieria 'Black Coral'

Sansevieria 'Black Coral' is a striking evergreen houseplant valued for its tall, upright leaves and dark green colouring with distinctive lighter...

From$32.95
camellia-japonica-black-lace-
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...

From$239.95
camellia-japonica-black-tie-
Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$28.95
Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search pittosporum black matipo

What is Pittosporum Black Matipo?

Pittosporum black matipo refers to select varieties of the New Zealand native tree, Pittosporum tenuifolium, which features strikingly dark, shiny leaves and graceful, airy growth. This plant is often chosen for its neat form and ability to withstand wind, drought, and coastal conditions. The dense foliage provides privacy and a rich green backdrop, making it perfect for hedges or screening.

For those interested in the classic species, Pittosporum tenuifolium is an excellent foundational choice, displaying the classic glossy, wavy leaves and upright growth habit associated with black matipo types.

Popular Pittosporum Black Matipo Varieties

There are many fabulous cultivars to consider when seeking the perfect pittosporum black matipo for your garden, each with unique leaf shapes or colours. Here are some top options grown successfully across New Zealand:

Growing and Caring for Black Matipo

Pittosporum black matipo thrives in a wide range of New Zealand climates, from coastal gardens to cooler inland sites. Plant in full sun or partial shade, and enjoy its tolerance for wind and salt spray. These hardy natives prefer free-draining soil and benefit from regular mulch and occasional deep watering in dry conditions. For hedging, prune lightly to maintain density and shape—these plants respond well to trimming and can quickly recover from a good cutback.

Why Choose Pittosporum Black Matipo?

If you’re seeking a New Zealand native that brings elegance, resilience, and enduring beauty to your garden, pittosporum black matipo is the answer. With so many beautiful varieties—from classic Pittosporum tenuifolium to modern, ornamental selections like Pittosporum Emerald Lake (Black Matipo)—there’s a black matipo to suit every landscape project. Start planning your garden’s next star performer today.


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.

From trusted favourites like Cereus tetragonus and Agapanthus 'Gayles Lilac' to fresh faces like Acer 'Armstrong', Gardenia 'Florida', and Camellia 'Blizzard' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews