Pittosporum tenuifolium, pittosporum tenuifolium
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Pittosporum tenuifolium

pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporaceae

New Zealand (North and South Islands)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m)
Width8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

8 - 10
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

An upright, columnar to broadly pyramidal broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) wide in favorable conditions. In the Pacific Northwest, typically 10-20 feet (3-6 m). Growth rate is moderate to fast, adding 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) per year. Leaves are alternate, elliptical to ovate, small, 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long and 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) wide, with distinctively wavy (undulate) margins. The species type has glossy, pale to medium green leaves that create a fine, airy texture. Stems and petioles are conspicuously dark brown to near-black, providing a striking contrast with the lighter foliage — a key ornamental feature. Numerous cultivars have been selected for foliage color variations including deep purple-black ('Tom Thumb'), silver-variegated ('Silver Queen'), and lime-green ('Golf Ball'). Flowers appear in late spring (April to May), small, approximately 0.4 inches (10 mm) across, dark purple to near-black, borne singly or in small axillary clusters, with a sweet, honey-like fragrance released primarily in evening. Flowers are inconspicuous against the foliage but the fragrance is notable. Fruit is a globose capsule approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, opening to reveal sticky, dark seeds. Hardy to approximately 15-20°F (-9 to -7°C); marginally hardy in the colder parts of the Pacific Northwest and may suffer dieback in severe winters. Widely used as a florist's foliage plant for cut arrangements.

Native Range

Native to New Zealand, occurring on both the North and South Islands. Found in lowland and montane forests, forest margins, and scrubland from sea level to approximately 3,000 feet (900 m) elevation. One of the most common small trees in New Zealand native forests.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a formal or informal hedge at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing, as a specimen small tree, or as a screening plant. The fine texture and dark stems make it a refined design element in contemporary landscapes. Purple-leaved cultivars provide year-round foliage color contrast. Widely used as florist foliage; branches can be harvested for cut arrangements. Suitable for coastal gardens. Suitable for containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L). Tolerates urban pollution.

How to Identify

Identified by small, glossy, ovate to elliptical evergreen leaves 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) long with distinctively wavy margins, borne on conspicuously dark brown to near-black stems and petioles. The contrast of light green foliage against dark stems is the most recognizable feature. Distinguished from Pittosporum tobira by the much smaller leaf size, wavy margins, and dark stems (P. tobira has larger whorled leaves on green stems). The small dark purple, fragrant flowers in late spring are inconspicuous but their evening scent is notable.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread8' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

purple

Foliage Colors

pale green
medium green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers from April to May in USDA zones 8-10. Small, dark purple to near-black flowers approximately 0.4 inches (10 mm) across, borne singly or in small axillary clusters. Inconspicuous against the foliage but release a sweet, honey-like fragrance in the evening. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Globose seed capsules approximately 0.3 inches (8 mm) open in fall to reveal sticky seeds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Dark purple to near-black

Foliage Description

Glossy pale to medium green on dark brown to black stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-10 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
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Tolerates coastal exposure, wind, and salt spray. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks. In zones 8a-8b, plant in a sheltered position protected from cold winter winds; severe frost (below 15°F / -9°C) damages or kills above-ground growth. If top growth is killed, plants may regenerate from the base. Mulch the root zone with 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) of organic material for winter root protection in marginal zones. No serious pest or disease problems. Variegated and purple-leaved cultivars may be somewhat less cold-hardy than the green species type.

Pruning

Prune in late spring after the risk of frost has passed. Responds well to shearing for formal hedging and topiary; shear 2-3 times during the growing season for a tailored appearance. Can be trained as a single-trunk small tree by removing lower branches gradually. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) in spring is tolerated; vigorous regrowth follows. Cut foliage is valued by florists and can be harvested regularly from established plants without harm.

Pruning Schedule

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late springsummer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic