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pittosporum tenuifolium height

Pittosporum tenuifolium, also known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a cherished evergreen native of New Zealand, renowned for its graceful, wavy-edged foliage and slender growth habit. If you're considering this versatile plant for your garden, understanding the typical pittosporum tenuifolium height is crucial—whether you’re seeking privacy hedging, a lush shelterbelt, or simply a standout specimen. On this page, you'll discover how tall Pittosporum tenuifolium usually grows, factors that affect its mature size, and how it compares to other Pittosporum varieties.

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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What Is the Mature Pittosporum Tenuifolium Height?

Kohuhu is fast-growing and tends to reach a mature height of 4–8 metres (sometimes even taller in optimal conditions), making it ideal for screens, windbreaks, and garden backgrounds. In most New Zealand gardens, you can expect Pittosporum tenuifolium height to settle between 5 and 7 metres after 10–15 years of growth, with good protection and regular pruning. The slender, upright habit means Kohuhu packs plenty of impact even in limited spaces, and its dense foliage offers outstanding privacy.

Factors Affecting Pittosporum Tenuifolium Height

Several elements can affect the final height of your Pittosporum tenuifolium:

Pittosporum Tenuifolium Height Compared to Other Pittosporum Varieties

While Kohuhu is one of the tallest Pittosporum species, you might also consider other Pittosporum plants depending on the space available in your garden:

Pittosporum Tenuifolium Height in Design and Landscaping

Kohuhu's height makes it an excellent choice for tall hedges, large-scale screens, and mixed shelter plantings. Its flexible growth means you can prune it to maintain a manageable height or let it develop into a towering backdrop for showier flowering trees. For creative garden designs, pair Kohuhu with contrasting specimens like Acer platanoides Globosum (Acer Globosum), Liquidambar styraciflua 'Rotundiloba', Cornus 'Cloud 9', Magnolia Gold Star (Magnolia stellata Gold Star), or Betula nigra for striking visual impact.

Conclusion

Understanding Pittosporum tenuifolium height empowers you to make informed planting choices, ensuring Kohuhu fits perfectly into your plans—whether for a tall, elegant hedge or a standout native specimen. Explore our range of Pittosporum varieties and complementary trees to find the best fit for your garden’s needs and your vision.


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