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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 tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

4.8 from 5 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.

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 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: 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...

From$22.01
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...

From$26.15
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-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$22.01
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...

From$22.01
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...

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-
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 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-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-
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 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$22.01
pittosporum-green-jade-1
Pittosporum 'Green Jade'

Pittosporum 'Green Jade' is a handsome evergreen shrub valued for its rich green foliage, dense growth habit, and naturally tidy appearance. This...

From$22.01
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
echeveria-dark-prince-1
Echeveria Dark Prince

Echeveria Dark Prince is a succulent grown for its impressive colourings. It grows as a short and stout rosette of thick, dark brown-black leaves...

From$14.95
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 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$48.96
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
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1m 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.

From$138.40
Phormium 'Black Magic' plants in a large pot and featuring elegant, dark-coloured foliage.
Phormium 'Black Magic'

Phormium ‘Black Magic’ is a striking NZ flax prized for its deep purple black foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen variety adds year...

From$17.95
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 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$79.20
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.

From$254.60
Large Black Rage Phormium in a garden with black foliage.
Phormium 'Black Rage'

Phormium 'Black Rage' is a striking New Zealand native flax known for its bold, upright leaves in deep shades of dark purple to near black. This...

From$17.95
weedmat-1
Weed Mat (Weed Mat 90 cm wide x 50 m roll )

Our woven black polypropylene Weed Mat provides long-term and superior weed suppression. It has been UV stabilised for NZ conditions and allows water...

From$166.60
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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
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$99.52
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
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Pittosporum tenuifolium

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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.


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