pittosporum tenuifolium varieties

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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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

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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.

Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium

From $206.50

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'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The grey green leaves edged with creamy white provide year round colour and brightness, making this variety a standout feature in gardens and landscapes. Its hardy nature and versatility make it ideal for hedging, screening, borders, and specimen planting. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is a low maintenance shrub that delivers lasting structure, colour, and visual appeal.

Buy Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

From $22.01

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

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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:

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata: This attractive variety boasts neat, cream-edged leaves and compact, upright growth—ideal for adding a splash of light to garden borders or hedges.
Pittosporum Tasman Ruffles: Known for its deeply ruffled, silvery-green foliage, this distinctive form provides fantastic texture and movement in mixed plantings and formal hedges.
Pittosporum Little Burger (Dwarf Pittosporum): As a compact dwarf variety, 'Little Burger' is perfect for pots, small gardens, or low-growing hedges, offering that classic Pittosporum look on a miniature scale.
Pittosporum Katie: With its lush, glossy green leaves and dense, bushy growth, this variety makes a superb garden feature, working well as a small hedge or mass planting.
Pittosporum tenuifolium: The species form is a timeless favourite for larger hedges, screens, and shelterbelts, valued for its rapid growth and dependable performance.

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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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.