pittosporum variegatum

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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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.

Buy Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

From $21.53

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 (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 about 1 m tall and the same wide. This hardy plant is ideal for including in a mixed planting, growing in a container, including in rock gardens, or using in border plantings. Pittosporum Small Ball also looks great when planted around water features such as ponds or swimming pools.

Buy Pittosporum Small Ball (Dwarf Pittosporum)

From $25.58

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

Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chlorophytum Pittosporum and Viburnum, or related Categories - Indoor Plants 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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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.