What hardiness zones is Pittosporum tenuifolium suitable for?

Pittosporum tenuifolium is kohuhu (black matipo), an evergreen shrub or small tree from New Zealand growing 180–300 inches (450–750 cm / 15–25 feet) tall and 96–180 inches (240–450 cm / 8–15 feet) wide. Small pale green to mid-green oval leaves 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) with wavy (undulate) margins on near-black stems — the dark stem/light leaf contrast is the species identifier. The species name 'tenuifolium' means 'thin-leaved.' Tiny dark chocolate-purple flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) in late spring — inconspicuous visually but with a strong honey scent detectable at 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m), most noticeable in the evening. In the family Pittosporaceae. The genus name means 'pitch seed' — the seeds are coated in a resinous sticky substance. The foliage is used extensively in the floral industry as filler and greenery (the small leaves and dark stems are valued as a neutral backdrop). Many cultivars: 'Tom Thumb' (dwarf 36 inches / 90 cm, purple foliage), 'Silver Sheen' (silver-gray leaves), 'Golf Ball' (dense natural globe), 'Irene Paterson' (cream-white-speckled leaves). Tolerates coastal salt spray, wind, and clipping. Damaged below 20°F (−7°C). Native to New Zealand (North and South Islands). Drought-tolerant once established. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 8–10. Growth rate is moderate to fast.

Native Range

Native to New Zealand (North and South Islands), growing in coastal and lowland forest and scrub.

Suggested Uses

Grown as hedging, screening, and specimens in zones 8–10. The dark-stemmed light-leaved foliage and the honey-scented flowers are the features. 'Tom Thumb' for dwarf purple foliage. Tolerates coastal conditions. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by small pale green wavy-edged evergreen leaves on near-black stems. The dark stem/light leaf contrast is the species identifier. Tiny dark chocolate-purple honey-scented flowers in late spring. Foliage used in the floral industry. In Pittosporaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'

Width/Spread8' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Late spring (May), lasting 1–2 weeks. Tiny dark chocolate-purple flowers — inconspicuous visually but strongly honey-scented (detectable at 10–15 feet / 3–4.5 m, strongest in evening). The evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Dark chocolate-purple, tiny, 0.3 inch (8 mm), inconspicuous but strongly honey-scented

Foliage Description

Pale green to mid-green, small, oval, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), with wavy (undulate) margins on dark near-black stems; cultivars include purple, variegated, silver, and gold-leaved forms

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun to partial shade. Tolerates coastal salt spray, wind, and clipping. Damaged below 20°F (−7°C). Drought-tolerant once established. Many cultivars with varied foliage colors. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 8–10.

Pruning

Tolerates repeated clipping for formal hedging. Prune for shape after flowering in early summer. 'Golf Ball' forms a dense natural globe without pruning. Remove frost-damaged growth in spring.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic