Pittosporum tenuifolium Wrinkled Blue

Features of Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’

The standout feature of Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue is its twisted, undulating leaves with a rich blue-grey hue. This foliage adds movement and interest, making it a fantastic contrast plant in mixed borders. The shrub generally reaches 2-3 metres tall, forming a dense, upright shape that clips beautifully for formal or informal hedging.

Tiny, honey-scented purple flowers pop up in late spring, attracting pollinators and adding subtle charm. As with the classic Pittosporum tenuifolium, the ‘Wrinkled Blue’ thrives in a range of conditions, tolerating coastal winds, light frost, and drought once established.

Where to Plant Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue

Whether you’d like to create a low-maintenance screen, a contemporary boundary, or a lush backdrop for other plants, Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue provides flexibility. Try planting in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil. For hedging, space plants about 80cm apart for a dense, seamless effect.

This cultivar pairs beautifully with other Pittosporum varieties like Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata), Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum), or the compact Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo). For more vibrant contrast, consider companions such as Robinia Tropical Splash (Honey Locust), Michelia Star Bright, or Acer palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime'.

Care and Maintenance

One of the reasons gardeners favour Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue is its tidy growth and minimal upkeep. An annual trim after the main flush of growth keeps plants dense and neat. Occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser promotes lush foliage. Although drought tolerant, watering during prolonged dry periods helps maintain rich colour.

Mulching around the base of the plant helps suppress weeds and conserve moisture, promoting even growth. Like other Pittosporum selections such as Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu), ‘Wrinkled Blue’ prefers free-draining soils and does not tolerate waterlogging.

Why Choose Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue?

Perfect for modern gardens, coastal properties, or classic mixed borders, Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue delivers lasting structure and colour with little fuss. Its unique foliage and reliable nature make it a must-have for New Zealand landscapes, and it combines beautifully with both natives and exotics such as Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' and Ficus hillii 'Emerald'.

Add Pittosporum tenuifolium wrinkled blue to your next garden project for instant visual impact and long-term, low-maintenance performance.