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variegated pittosporum

Variegated pittosporum is a sought-after shrub or small tree known for its striking, multi-toned foliage. With its eye-catching cream, gold, or silver-edged leaves, this hardy evergreen delivers year-round interest and is ideal for New Zealand gardens. If you're searching for a plant that adds texture, contrast, and a touch of elegance to borders, hedging, or containers, variegated pittosporum deserves your attention. Beyond looks, these versatile plants are also easy-care, wind-tolerant, and well-suited to coastal or urban locations.

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 typically grows to 5 m tall and 2 m wide and can easily be contained with trimming.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
pittosporum-tenuifolium-variegata-4

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.

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 '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$22.01
Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu) lush green foliage.
Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu or Black Matipo, is a fast-growing, evergreen native tree ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter...

From$102.84
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...

From$26.15
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$206.50
pittosporum-irish-luck-
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...

From$22.01
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...

From$22.01
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...

From$22.01
pittosporum-green-jade-1
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...

From$22.01
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...

From$22.01
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...

From$26.15
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$15.04
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$102.84
pittosporum-jade-3
Pittosporum 'Jade'

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

From$22.01
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$15.04
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$26.15
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$35.81
portulacaria-afra-variegata--8
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen succulent shrub prized for its creamy white and green variegated foliage carried on...

From$19.50
Ctenanthe lubbersiana plant with yellow and green foliage.
Ctenanthe lubbersiana

Ctenanthe lubbersiana, commonly known as the Bamburanta Plant is a lush foliage plant that is commonly grown indoors as a potted plant. It features...

From$44.09
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...

From$20.01
schefflera-variegata-
Schefflera arboricola variegated

The variegated Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola Variegated) is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant due to its attractive and...

From$19.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$16.95
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Crassula pellucida variegata

Crassula pellucida variegata, commonly known as Calico Kitten, is grown for its colourful foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of...

From$26.15
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Peperomia clusiifolia

Peperomia clusiifolia, commonly known as the Jelly Plant, is a popular and easy to grow indoor plant. It produces short stems carrying thick and...

From$34.43
Aeonium haworthii 'Kiwi' plant with colourful leaves.
Aeonium haworthii Kiwi

Aeonium haworthii Kiwi is a succulent grown for its symmetrical rosettes of variegated, fleshy leaves. The leaves are cream-yellow towards the centre...

From$12.95
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$16.95
Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

From$24.95
Senecio rowleyanus variegata (Variegated String of Pearls) with trailing foliage growing in a pot.
Senecio rowleyanus variegata

Senecio rowleyanus variegata, commonly known as the Variegated String of Pearls, is a succulent grown for its interesting, bead-like foliage. It...

From$26.15
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Acer Esk Sunset (Eskimo Sunset Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus Esk Sunset, commonly known as the Eskimo Sunset Sycamore Maple, is grown for its rich and colourful foliage. The lush leaves on...

From$299.95
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

From$15.50
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$30.29
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

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

Search variegated pittosporum

What is Variegated Pittosporum?

Variegated pittosporum refers to any Pittosporum species or cultivar that displays leaves with more than one colour—typically green with white, yellow, or silver edging. This natural or cultivated variegation brings a vibrant look to your garden, brightening shady corners and providing contrast among darker evergreens. Popular varieties include Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' (Variegated Lemonwood), a compact form perfect for low hedging, and Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata), a larger, upright option with creamy-marbled foliage.

Best Uses for Variegated Pittosporum

Thanks to their attractive leaves and adaptable nature, variegated pittosporum are brilliant for a range of landscaping tasks. Use them as specimen plants to anchor garden beds, or plant in rows to create dense, visually interesting hedges. Dwarf types, such as Pittosporum Hole In One (Dwarf Pittosporum), are ideal for container gardens, driveways, or lining pathways. Silver-leafed forms like Pittosporum Silver Pillar are especially useful for coastal gardens or areas that need a lift of brightness year-round. For a native touch with unique character, consider Pittosporum crassifolium 'variegata' (Variegated Karo).

Growing Variegated Pittosporum in New Zealand

Variegated pittosporum thrive in most New Zealand conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sun but can also perform in partial shade. Once established, they have good drought and wind tolerance, making them excellent for exposed sites. Regular trimming encourages bushy growth and helps to maintain their vibrant colouring. These pittosporum are low maintenance, rarely troubled by pests or diseases, and suitable for both rural and urban settings.

Choosing the Right Variegated Pittosporum

The right choice often depends on your available space and the effect you'd like to achieve. For tall screens or dramatic structure, Pittosporum eugenioides 'variegatum' (Variegated Tarata) is a classic. If you need compact hedging or low-maintenance accents, Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum Minimum' (Variegated Lemonwood) or Pittosporum Hole In One (Dwarf Pittosporum) are exceptional choices. For shimmery silver tones, Pittosporum Silver Pillar stands out, while Pittosporum crassifolium 'variegata' (Variegated Karo) brings coastal resilience and a native vibe.

Whatever your gardening style, variegated pittosporum will bring structure, texture, and enduring colour to your landscape. Explore our range for a vibrant addition to your garden that’s as easy to care for as it is beautiful.


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