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pittosporum tenuifolium black stem

Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem, also known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a much-loved New Zealand native shrub celebrated for its striking appearance and versatile landscaping uses. The species is easily recognised by its signature jet-black stems and wavy, glossy green leaves that have a subtle silvery sheen beneath. Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem forms a fast-growing, densely branched shrub or small tree, making it a top choice for attractive hedging, screening, or specimen planting in both urban and rural gardens. It's hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant to trimming, which means it thrives across a wide range of New Zealand environments.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

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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.

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.
  • 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
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Pittosporum tenuifolium

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Distinctive Features of Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem

What truly sets Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem apart is its unique, almost-black stems that contrast beautifully with the fresh green foliage. In spring, tiny, honey-scented dark purple flowers appear nestled beneath the leaves, which are loved by native birds and add extra seasonal interest. This Pittosporum is evergreen, so your outdoor space remains lush year-round, even when other plants lose their leaves.

How to Grow and Use Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem

Perfect for hedges, shelterbelts, or contemporary gardens, Kohuhu delivers adaptability and good looks. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerates coastal winds and light frosts, and is generally unfussy about soil type as long as drainage is reasonable. Regular trimming will keep your Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem hedge neat and dense, while letting it grow naturally produces a graceful, layered small tree. Its fast growth is ideal when you need privacy quickly or want to establish a protective native shelter for your garden.

Combining Pittosporum in Your Garden

Pair Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem with other attractive natives and exotics to enhance your landscaping scheme. Consider combining with Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata), which has lime-green foliage and a sweet lemony fragrance for a multi-layered native garden. Compact varieties like Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) and Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu) are perfect for smaller spaces or as low borders, while Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' brings a lush look to modern urban gardens. For something a bit different, the blue-green tones of Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' create eye-catching contrast.

If you'd like to mix your natives with feature trees, Alnus inokuma, Sophora 'Gnome', or Acacia Copper Tips all contribute interesting shapes and colours to a layered planting design. For year-round interest, Gordonia Red Tips (Fried Egg Plant) and the weeping Taxodium distichum Cascade Falls offer even more variety.

Why Choose Kohuhu for Your New Zealand Garden?

Pittosporum tenuifolium black stem is a reliable, attractive, and easy-care choice for anyone looking to enhance their garden’s privacy, shelter, and evergreen interest. Whether clipped as a formal hedge, grown as a shelterbelt, or planted as a handsome specimen tree, Kohuhu will reward you with all-season beauty and low-maintenance growth. Discover the possibilities this special plant brings and consider how it could transform your outdoor space.


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