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pittosporum variegatum

Looking to brighten your garden with striking foliage and effortless charm? Pittosporum variegatum is a standout among New Zealand shrubs, prized for its eye-catching variegated leaves and versatile form. Not only does this plant offer visual interest in every season, but it’s also incredibly adaptable and easy to grow in a range of Kiwi conditions. If you’re searching for a low-maintenance, decorative option for hedging, borders, or specimen planting, pittosporum variegatum deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Pittosporum eugenioides variegatum lush foliage.

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

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Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum, commonly known as Variegated Tarata, features slender, dark coloured stems which bear dark green leaves with a cream-white margin. Small and fragrant, pale-yellow flowers provide a lovely accent through summer. It grows reasonably quickly to about 6 m tall and 3 m wide. Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum is ideal for shelter, screening, and hedging. It is also commonly used as a backdrop for smaller plants or included in native plantings.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Hedging, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
pittosporum-small-ball-

Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf variety provides year round structure and colour while requiring very little maintenance, making it ideal for modern landscapes and smaller gardens. Its neat form makes it perfect for low hedges, borders, containers, and feature planting. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a reliable shrub that delivers lasting visual appeal and practical landscaping benefits throughout the year.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata'

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen shrub renowned for its beautifully variegated foliage and elegant growth habit. The...

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Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
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Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
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Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

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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...

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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...

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

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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 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 'Little Kiwi' shrubs with light green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi'

Pittosporum 'Little Kiwi' is a compact New Zealand native evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy...

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Pittosporum 'Irish Luck'

Pittosporum 'Irish Luck' is a hardy evergreen shrub known for its dense, bright green foliage and tidy growth habit. This versatile plant is well...

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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...

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Pittosporum 'Green Jade'

Pittosporum 'Green Jade' is a handsome evergreen shrub valued for its rich green foliage, dense growth habit, and naturally tidy appearance. This...

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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 'Jade'

Pittosporum 'Jade' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive green foliage, and versatility in the landscape. This...

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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 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...

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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...

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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...

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Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

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Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus variegatum is an evergreen shrub that features variegated foliage and showy flowers. Pink flower buds open to reveal showy clusters of...

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A large Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' specimen tree.
Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' (Variegated Lemonwood)

Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' features dark and slender stems which bear leaves that are variegated bright green and cream. It grows...

OUT OF STOCK
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Pittosporum 'Platinum'

Pittosporum 'Platinum' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silver variegated foliage and dense growth habit. The bright foliage...

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Pittosporum 'Katie' foliage.
Pittosporum 'Katie'

Pittosporum 'Katie' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and versatility in the landscape. This hardy...

OUT OF STOCK
Pittosporum rigidum shrub.
Pittosporum rigidum

Pittosporum rigidum is a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree valued for its dense branching, attractive foliage, and reliable growth. This Australian...

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Pittosporum 'Glo Ball'

Pittosporum 'Glo Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Pittosporum 'Little Anita' plants as topiary balls in a garden.
Pittosporum 'Little Anita' (Dwarf Pittosporum)

Pittosporum 'Little Anita' is a dwarf variety of Pittosporum with small, light green leaves as it grows to about 60 cm tall and 75 cm wide. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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Pittosporum 'Stumpy'

Pittosporum 'Stumpy' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally rounded form. This hardy dwarf...

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Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' shrubs.
Pittosporum 'Little Squirt'

Pittosporum 'Little Squirt' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth habit, attractive foliage, and naturally tidy form. This dwarf...

OUT OF STOCK
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Pittosporum 'Taupo'

Pittosporum 'Taupo' is a popular New Zealand native shrub grown for its dense branching, attractive silver green foliage, and versatility in the...

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Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

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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 Variegatum Special?

Pittosporum variegatum captivates gardeners with its elegant green leaves edged in creamy white. This two-toned foliage reflects the light and enhances any planting scheme—whether you want to lighten up shaded corners or complement other vibrant garden features. The plant is renowned for its dense growth habit and ability to create privacy screens or lively backdrop plantings. It’s also popular in coastal, urban, or rural landscapes across New Zealand thanks to its tolerance of wind, salt, and variable soils.

Planting and Care Tips

Pittosporum variegatum thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soil. Water regularly during the establishment phase, particularly in dry spells, but once settled, it performs well with minimal intervention. Pruning is straightforward—trimming lightly in late winter or early spring maintains a tidy shape and stimulates new variegated growth. If you’re keen to create a formal hedge or soften pathways, pittosporum variegatum responds beautifully to regular shaping. Mulch around the base will help conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

Uses in the New Zealand Garden

This variety is a favourite for hedges, screening, and windbreaks, blending beauty with practical function. Its compact, upright structure suits urban gardens, lifestyle blocks, and larger rural sections. Pittosporum variegatum pairs well with native and exotic shrubs alike—consider combining it with other unique cultivars like Pittosporum Katie for contrasting textures and colours. For tighter spaces and smaller gardens, explore Pittosporum Hole In One (Dwarf Pittosporum) or Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum) for similar aesthetic appeal in compact form.

Explore Other Variegated Pittosporums

If you’re keen on the variegated look, there’s plenty to discover. The magnificent Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata) offers larger leaves and a bold garden presence. For smaller hedges or topiary, Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' (Variegated Lemonwood) is an excellent choice, bringing the same lightening effect in a more manageable size. Both of these cultivars share pittosporum variegatum’s resilience and character, making them popular additions to Kiwi landscapes.

Bringing Pittosporum Variegatum Into Your Garden

Pittosporum variegatum ticks every box for gardeners wanting structure, colour, and easy care. Whether you’re crafting a vibrant hedge, assembling a layered garden border, or simply searching for a plant that elevates your outdoor space, this variegated beauty delivers year-round interest. Enjoy its effortless style and hardy nature—the perfect combination for incredible New Zealand gardens.


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