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pittosporum tenuifolium varieties

Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties are among the most beloved and widely used evergreen shrubs in New Zealand gardens. With their elegant foliage and adaptable growth habits, these New Zealand natives are perfect for hedging, screening, and adding colour year-round. Whether you’re looking for a classic green form or a striking variegated style, there’s a Pittosporum tenuifolium variety to suit every planting scheme and location.

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.

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.

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-tenuifolium-variegata-4

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata features dark green leaves that are edged with cream and held densely on dark stems. This is a very tidy NZ native shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata is commonly used for shelter, screening, and hedging, and is well suited for growing around outdoor living areas. It also makes an attractive specimen and a lovely back drop for smaller plants.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
pittosporum-millfield-magic-

Pittosporum Millfield Magic

Pittosporum Millfield Magic is a compact NZ native shrub that produces fresh-green foliage with silver overtones. This evergreen typically grows to 3...

From$307.58
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum Small Ball is a dwarf variety grown for its glossy, olive-green leaves which are held densely. This evergreen grows with a ball shape to...

From$107.05
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...

From$40.43
Pittosporum 'Golf Ball' (Dwarf Pittosporum) shrub with lush green foliage in a garden.

Pittosporum Golf Ball

Pittosporum 'Golf Ball' is a compact, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, renowned for its dense, rounded form and vibrant green foliage. This...

From$25.58
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$21.53
Pittosporum tobira green foliage and elegant white flowers.

Pittosporum tobira (Australian Laurel)

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or mock orange, is a versatile, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, green foliage and...

From$21.53
pittosporum-jade-3

Pittosporum Jade

Pittosporum Jade is a NZ native shrub that features slender, dark-coloured stems which bear small, jade-green leaves which are held densely. This...

From$21.53
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...

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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...

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Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

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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...

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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$229.04
pittosporum-silver-pillar-

Pittosporum Silver Pillar

Pittosporum Silver Pillar is a NZ native that features small leaves that are variegated mid-green with a cream margin and held on dark stems. It...

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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$229.04
pittosporum-irish-luck-

Pittosporum Irish Luck (Black Matipo)

Caring for Sophora 'Goldies Mantle' is simple and low maintenance. Pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth...

From$21.53
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$14.72
Pittosporum eugenioides variegatum lush foliage.

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum, commonly known as Variegated Tarata, features slender, dark coloured stems which bear dark green leaves with a...

From$21.53
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$14.72
pittosporum-frankies-folly-

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$25.58
Pittosporum tenuifolium

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

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What Makes Pittosporum tenuifolium Varieties Special?

Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties stand out thanks to their distinctive wavy leaves, tidy habit, and unique foliage colours that range from glossy greens to silvers and variegated creams. These shrubs are renowned for their resilience, tolerating both coastal conditions and urban environments, making them an excellent low-maintenance option for New Zealand gardens. Their fast growth and dense branching structure also make them a top choice for privacy hedging and windbreaks.

Popular Pittosporum tenuifolium Varieties

When it comes to Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties, gardeners are spoilt for choice. Some of the most popular and reliable varieties include:

Using Pittosporum tenuifolium Varieties in Your Garden

With their versatility, Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties can be used in formal lines, contemporary designs, or informal mixed borders. They’re especially valuable for creating privacy in residential spaces due to their dense foliage. Many varieties respond beautifully to trimming, allowing you to shape hedges or topiary with ease. They’re also a favourite for coastal gardens, as they handle wind and salt air with ease.

For a striking effect, try mixing several Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties together in a hedge—alternating silver, green, and variegated forms produces layers of colour and interest throughout the year.

Care Tips for Pittosporum tenuifolium Varieties

These easy-care shrubs thrive in well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded spot. Once established, most Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties can tolerate periods of dryness, making them well-suited for New Zealand conditions. A light trim after flowering will keep plants dense and healthy.

If you’re looking to enhance your landscape with reliable structure and year-round colour, explore the diverse range of Pittosporum tenuifolium varieties available. They offer practicality and beauty—an essential element in every Kiwi garden.


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Garden icons like Azara microphylla and Corokia Mangatangi lead the way, but there’s magic in discovering Passiflora edulis, Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu), and Feijoa 'Apollo'.
–The Plant Company

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