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pittosporum purple flowers

Pittosporum purple flowers are a striking yet somewhat rare feature in New Zealand gardens. While most pittosporum species are grown for their evergreen foliage and neat form, certain types offer charming and unusual purple-toned flowers. If you’re searching for shrubs or small trees with pittosporum purple flowers, you’ll find there are select varieties that deliver this sophisticated colour palette, adding interest and depth to your garden design. On this page, we’ll highlight which pittosporum species show purple blooms, discuss their ideal uses in landscaping, and offer guidance on growing and maintaining these attractive native plants.

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 white, creating a bright and elegant contrast in NZ gardens. This hardy shrub is easy to grow, tolerates coastal conditions, and is ideal for hedging, screening, or as a feature plant.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
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 flowers in spring. It grows with a rounded habit to about 80 cm tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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 '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 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...

From$22.01
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 '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 '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 '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 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 '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 '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
A Pittosporum 'Little Gem' (Dwarf Pittosporum) plant with fresh green foliage in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Little Gem'

Pittosporum 'Little Gem' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive green foliage, and naturally rounded form. This...

From$20.01
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 '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
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
Lavender 'Major' plants with purple flowers above olive-green foliage.
Lavender 'Major'

Lavender 'Major' is an impressive lavender variety known for its tall flower spikes and rich purple blooms held above aromatic grey green foliage...

From$18.95
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
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
francoa-flower-girl-
Francoa 'Flower Girl'

Francoa 'Flower Girl' is a graceful perennial that produces elegant spikes of delicate flowers from late spring through summer. Its attractive clumps...

From$17.95
ozothamnus-springtime-white--2
Ozothamnus Springtime White (Rice Flower)

“Springtime White” is a shrub grown for its prolific flowering and drought tolerance. Clusters of white flowers with a paper-like appearance are...

From$26.15
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

From$34.43
Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

From$26.91
Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose Flower Carpet Pink features large trusses of semi-double, pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring and continues until autumn provided the spent...

From$34.43
Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.
Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a fast-growing, evergreen native tree ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter...

OUT OF STOCK
Pittosporum patulum purple flowers and green foliage.
Pittosporum patulum

Pittosporum patulum is a rare and distinctive New Zealand native tree known for its deeply divided foliage and unusual dark red to purple star shaped...

OUT OF STOCK
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

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

Search pittosporum purple flowers

Which Pittosporum Species Have Purple Flowers?

Pittosporum is a diverse genus, with many varieties grown across New Zealand. The most well-known species with purple-hued flowers is Pittosporum patulum. This rare, slow-growing New Zealand native produces clusters of deep purple, star-shaped flowers in late spring, standing out beautifully against its wavy, toothed foliage. Planting Pittosporum patulum is a wonderful choice for gardeners who want to bring unique colour to their landscapes while supporting the survival of a threatened native species.

Although purple flowers are not typical in other common varieties, some forms of Pittosporum tenuifolium can produce small, dark reddish-purple to nearly black flowers. These blooms may be inconspicuous but are delicately scented, and often attract native pollinators. If you’d love a combination of glossy foliage and subtle, dusky flowers, Pittosporum tenuifolium can fit beautifully into mixed plantings.

Other Ornamental Pittosporum Varieties

While not specifically chosen for their purple blooms, some cultivated pittosporums are prized for colourful foliage and landscaping value. Pittosporum Millfield Magic is a popular choice with its dense growth habit and striking variegated leaves. For those with small gardens or wanting low hedges, Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) offers compactness and year-round structure. If you prefer vivid lime-green tones, Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu) can provide a bright contrast to gardens and borders, even though its flowers tend towards cream.

How to Grow and Care for Pittosporum Purple Flowers

Pittosporum species with purple flowers prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded position. Shelter from strong wind assists with establishing young plants. Regular mulching helps retain moisture and encourages healthy root development, while an annual feed with a slow-release fertiliser will boost growth and flowering. Pittosporum respond well to light trimming, so you can lightly prune after flowering to shape the plant as needed.

Uses for Pittosporum in Your Garden

Shrubs with pittosporum purple flowers are ideal for native planting projects, woodland gardens, or as specimen shrubs in mixed borders. Their glossy leaves and unique purple blooms can provide seasonal interest, draw attention to shade gardens, and support native insect populations. Many gardeners choose pittosporum for hedging, screening, and topiary work, thanks to their versatile foliage and tidy growth.

By including rare species like Pittosporum patulum or the subtly-flowering Pittosporum tenuifolium, you can introduce both beauty and biodiversity to your landscape. For more ideas, explore our range including Pittosporum Millfield Magic, Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum), and Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu), each adding their own unique colour and texture to New Zealand gardens.


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