pittosporum crassifolium hedge

Why Choose Pittosporum crassifolium for Hedging?

A Pittosporum crassifolium hedge is prized for its lush, silvery-green foliage that provides an eye-catching backdrop all year round. With dense growth from base to tip, Karo forms a thick, sheltering hedge ideal for creating privacy, reducing street noise, or sheltering your garden from harsh winds. The small, leathery leaves are not only attractive but exceptionally tolerant of dry, exposed sites.

One of Karo’s stand-out features is its adaptability. While many hedging varieties struggle near the sea, a Pittosporum crassifolium hedge will thrive, making it the go-to choice for coastal, clifftop, or wind-swept gardens. Plus, being a New Zealand native, Karo supports local biodiversity—its small, red-purple flowers attract birds and beneficial insects in spring.

Planting and Caring for Your Karo Hedge

Establishing a Pittosporum crassifolium hedge is simple, even for beginner gardeners. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with free-draining soil. Space each plant around 1–1.5 metres apart for a compact, interlocking hedge. Water young plants regularly in the first summer, particularly if planting in exposed locations. Once established, Karo is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. An annual prune in late summer will keep your hedge tidy and dense, allowing you to shape it any way you choose.

For gardeners interested in mixing hedge varieties, Karo pairs well with other New Zealand natives like Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata) or compact forms such as Pittosporum tenuifolium.

Comparing Pittosporum Hedge Options

While a Pittosporum crassifolium hedge excels in tough, coastal settings, several other Pittosporum species also make excellent hedges. Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata) has larger, glossy leaves and a delightfully fragrant spring flower. Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' offers a unique blue tint, while Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu) and Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) are both great options for compact hedges and smaller gardens.

Complementary Plants for Diverse Garden Design

Karo hedges are versatile and look stunning paired with larger specimen trees such as Betula 'Jermyns', Prunus Ichiyo, or Agathis macrophylla (Pacific Kauri). You can also create a statement by combining your Pittosporum crassifolium hedge with majestic natives like Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree) or interesting exotics such as Aesculus turbinata.

Explore our full range of native and exotic trees and shrubs to find the perfect match for your next landscaping project. With the right choices, your Pittosporum crassifolium hedge will anchor a garden that’s both beautiful and uniquely Kiwi.