Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

pittosporum tenuifolium tree

The Pittosporum tenuifolium tree, also known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a sought-after native New Zealand tree renowned for its lush, evergreen foliage and elegant, upright form. Commonly used in landscaping for hedging, shelterbelts, or as a specimen plant, Pittosporum tenuifolium brings texture, privacy, and subtle fragrance to gardens across Aotearoa. With its wavy-edged, glossy leaves and distinctive black stems, this adaptable tree fits beautifully into both contemporary and traditional landscape designs, thriving in a variety of conditions.

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. 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
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.
Most Popular 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$14.72
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Most Popular 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$21.53
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Most Popular 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$229.04
A Pittosporum 'Midget' plant in a garden.
Most Popular 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$40.43
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Most Popular 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$21.53
Salix 'pendula-aurea' specimen tree.
Most Popular Salix vitellina Pendula Aurea

Salix vitellina 'Pendula Aurea', commonly known as Golden Weeping Willow, is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its cascading golden branches and...

From$343.89
Acer palmatum stunning specimen tree.
Most Popular Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is a classic ornamental tree treasured for its finely cut foliage, graceful form, and stunning seasonal colour. This...

From$450.68
Lagerstroemia 'Bergerac' small specimen tree with masses of pink flower clusters.
Most Popular Lagerstroemia 'Bergerac'

Lagerstroemia ‘Bergerac’ is a striking crepe myrtle valued for its vibrant red summer flowers and attractive upright form. Flowering through the...

From$29.63
nyssa-sinensis-6
Most Popular Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo)

Commonly known as Chinese Tupelo, this is a handsome, deciduous tree grown for its fantastic form and striking autumn colours. Leaves emerge a fresh...

From$343.89
A Liquidambar 'Gumball' tree with fabulous autumn colours.
Most Popular Liquidambar styraciflua 'Gumball'

Liquidambar 'Gumball' is a small tree grown for its form and fantastic autumn colours. This popular ornamental tree features leaves that emerge lime...

From$343.89
Pittosporum tenuifolium

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Pittosporum or Evergreen Trees.

Search Pittosporum tenuifolium

Features of the Pittosporum tenuifolium tree

The Pittosporum tenuifolium tree is prized for its slender, bushy form and evergreen foliage, making it a versatile choice for screening unwanted views or adding structure to your garden. Its small, dark green leaves have a unique wavy edge, contrasting beautifully with the signature dark, almost black stems. In spring, tiny purplish flowers emit a gentle honey-scented fragrance that attracts bees and beneficial pollinators. This hardy species tolerates coastal exposure, windy sites, and moderate frost, and responds well to regular trimming.

Landscaping uses

Gardeners and landscape designers frequently select the Pittosporum tenuifolium tree for hedging, topiary, and multi-layered planting schemes. Its fast growth rate makes it perfect for creating privacy screens and informal shelterbelts or windbreaks. When planted as a stand-alone specimen, its form and foliage stand out against lighter backgrounds or among contrasting textures such as bronzes or silvers. Pair it with varieties such as Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' or Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' for diverse foliage colour and interest.

Growing conditions and care

Pittosporum tenuifolium thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, provided drainage is sufficient, and once established, is drought tolerant. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain the desired shape, encourage bushiness, and keep hedges dense. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring for optimal growth. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppresses weeds.

Native alternatives and companion plants

For gardeners seeking alternative sizes and foliage effects, options such as Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata) offer larger, lemon-scented leaves, while Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu) and Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) provide more compact forms for smaller spaces or borders. Complement Pittosporum tenuifolium with striking trees like Malus Red Sentinel, Malus Toms Orange, Magnolia Jade Emperor (Evergreen Magnolia Jade Emperor), or Magnolia Touch of Class (Touch Of Class Magnolia Tree), or bring in Japanese maples such as Acer palmatum Kinran for layered structure and seasonal interest.

Why choose Pittosporum tenuifolium tree?

Whether you're establishing a native shelterbelt, seeking a low-maintenance hedge, or want to add architectural beauty to your landscape, the Pittosporum tenuifolium tree stands out as one of New Zealand’s most adaptable and reliable options. Its resilience, easy-care nature, and year-round appeal make it an excellent investment for any garden project.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews