Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Pittosporum crassifolium

5 from 5 customers

Karo, Cheesewood, Kaikaro

Pittosporum crassifolium, known as karo, is a robust New Zealand native tree prized for its thick, leathery leaves and tolerance to coastal conditions. Ideal for shelter planting and coastal gardens, it thrives in challenging environments.

pittosporum-crassifolium-2
pittosporum-crassifolium-3
pittosporum-crassifolium-4
pittosporum-crassifolium-8
pittosporum-crassifolium-5
pittosporum-crassifolium-6
pittosporum-crassifolium-7
The average plant height is 45 cm
$20.74
The average plant height is 90 cm
$24.64
The average plant height is 160 cm
$103.08

Buy more Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) plants and save - Free Shipping over $150.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Trees
Height:10.00 m
Spread:4.00 m
Flowering time:Spring
Tolerances:Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses:Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles:Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asKaro, Cheesewood, Kaikaro
Sku10297

Growth Habit and Size

This slow to medium-growing tree typically reaches 5–8 meters in height. Its dense canopy and thick leaves make it highly resistant to wind and salt spray, perfect for coastal landscapes or shelter belts.

Hedge Spacing

When used for hedging, Pittosporum crassifolium should be planted 40–50 cm apart. This spacing helps the plants form a dense, even barrier. Closer spacing promotes faster fill-in and encourages more upright growth. Wider spacing may result in a looser, more open hedge, which can be desirable in some informal designs.

Planting and Care Tips

Best planted in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Pittosporum crassifolium is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal pruning. Regular watering during dry periods supports healthy growth.

Landscape Uses for Pittosporum crassifolium

Widely used in coastal gardens for windbreaks and shelter planting due to its resilience to salt-laden winds. Its dense foliage also provides excellent privacy screening and adds year-round greenery to landscapes near the sea.

Why Buy From The Plant Company?

Our Pittosporum crassifolium trees are grown in New Zealand nurseries, ensuring they are hardy and well suited to local coastal conditions. Enjoy fast nationwide shipping and expert support with every order.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)? We are here to help.

Reviews

5 from 5 customers
Roger Long - Canterbury

Beautiful plants, great communication, far better pricing than anyone else online, and fast delivery - what else could we need? My wife and I love dealing with you guys and appreciate all your efforts. Businesses that are passionate and care about their customers are hard to come by these days.

M Peattie - Waikato
Francis Mason - Waikato

Great plants

pittosporum-eugenioides-2
Most Popular

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides is a popular native New Zealand tree valued for its fast growth, fragrant foliage, and versatility in hedging or screening...

From$103.08
pittosporum-tenuifolium-
Most Popular

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a popular native New Zealand shrub known for its fine, dark green foliage and compact form. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$103.08
pittosporum-wrinkled-blue-
Most Popular

Pittosporum Wrinkled Blue (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$20.74
pittosporum-stephens-island-
Most Popular

Pittosporum Stephens Island (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact and hardy native New Zealand shrub valued for its dense foliage and versatility in garden hedging and...

From$20.74
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3
Most Popular

Acer palmatum Shirazz (Shirazz Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Shirazz is a smaller variety of Japanese Maple and features a rich display of delicate and interestingly coloured foliage. New leaves...

From$169.64
acer-tamukeyama-1
Most Popular

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama (Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum dissectum Tamukeyama is a variety of Japanese Maple that features a rich display of colourful, weeping foliage. The finely cut leaves...

From$328.43
prunus-pink-cloud-
Most Popular

Prunus Pink Cloud

Prunus Pink Cloud is a popular variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of single, soft-pink flowers in spring just before the foliage...

From$422.15
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Most Popular

Acer shirasawanum Autumn Moon (Autumn Moon Japanese Maple)

Acer shirasawanum Autumn Moon is a variety of Japanese Maple grown for its colourful and lush foliage. The leaves on this deciduous tree are burnt...

From$328.43

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews