{"product_id":"pittosporum-tenuifolium-kohuhu","title":"Pittosporum Tenuifolium (Kohuhu)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eCreate Year-Round Privacy and Beauty with New Zealand’s Finest Evergreen\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePittosporum tenuifolium gives you a fast-growing, evergreen privacy screen with polished foliage, graceful movement, and a refined garden shape that looks good in every season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to New Zealand and commonly known as kōhūhū or black matipo, this hardy pittosporum grows as a dense shrub or small tree with slender branches, dark stems, and glossy green leaves. It is widely used for privacy screening, hedging, and mixed borders because it creates structure without the heavy, overgrown look of many screening trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor California homeowners, especially in Southern California and other mild West Coast climates, Pittosporum tenuifolium offers a practical balance: elegant foliage, dependable growth, low maintenance care, and strong landscape performance in coastal, suburban, and inland garden settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-round privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e – Dense evergreen foliage creates an effective visual barrier, making Pittosporum tenuifolium suitable for use as a privacy screen in gardens and landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFast-growing coverage\u003c\/strong\u003e – Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as kōhūhū, is a popular choice for privacy hedges due to its fast growth rate, reaching heights of 0.5 to 3 meters within five years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful leaf texture\u003c\/strong\u003e – The foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium holds small, glossy, oval-shaped leaves, typically 2–4 cm long, with undulating, wavy margins that add light, graceful movement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e – Pittosporum tenuifolium produces clusters of very small, dark reddish-purple, bell-shaped flowers that release a honey-scented fragrance in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLow maintenance once established\u003c\/strong\u003e – Kōhūhū can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including poor soils and drought, which enhances its suitability for various landscapes as a low-maintenance privacy hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia-ready performance\u003c\/strong\u003e – This plant thrives in fertile, well-draining soil and can tolerate some maritime salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas from Southern California to cooler coastal zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePittosporum tenuifolium prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, ideally receiving at least six hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth. Once its roots are established, Pittosporum tenuifolium can tolerate strong drought conditions, while newly planted Pittosporum tenuifolium should be watered deeply and frequently until established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany common privacy plants solve one problem while creating another. Bamboo can become difficult to maintain, ficus may struggle with cold or drought stress, and heavier shrubs can feel bulky in a smaller garden, while alternatives like a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eFern Pine hedge for evergreen screening\u003c\/a\u003e offer a different texture and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePittosporum Tenuifolium (Kohuhu)\u003c\/strong\u003e has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive foliage and stems\u003c\/strong\u003e – Glossy, leathery leaves with wavy margins pair with dark bark and black stems for a more unusual, architectural look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBetter coastal adaptability\u003c\/strong\u003e – Its tolerance for wind and maritime salt spray makes it especially useful for coastal California properties where many evergreen shrubs decline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible cultivar range\u003c\/strong\u003e – There are over 25 cultivars of Pittosporum tenuifolium available in the nursery trade, ranging from tall-growing shrubs suitable for privacy hedges to compact forms for shrubbery beds and containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePittosporum tenuifolium has several cultivars, including ‘Nigricans’, which is known for its black stems, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/pittosporum-silver-sheen-pittosporum-tenuifolium-silver-sheen\"\u003e‘Silver Sheen’, characterized by its glossy silvery-green leaves and dark brownish-black stems\u003c\/a\u003e. Pittosporum tenuifolium Silver Sheen is especially valued when gardeners want a tall, shimmering hedge with a lighter form, while compact choices such as Tom Thumb are better for containers, borders, or a lower purple accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFive varieties of Pittosporum tenuifolium have received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating their ability to thrive in various growing conditions. That proven cultivation record, combined with its New Zealand native resilience, makes this species a strong alternative to heavier hedge plants in mild climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite Selection – Choose the right light and exposure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant Pittosporum tenuifolium in full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight each day for the healthiest growth. In hot inland areas, light afternoon shade can help protect new growth, while coastal locations usually support strong sun exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Process – Prepare the soil and spacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSet the plant in fertile, well-draining soil and avoid any ground that stays wet through winter. Pittosporum tenuifolium is highly susceptible to root rot and will decline rapidly if forced to sit in waterlogged conditions. For a dense privacy hedge, Yardwork can help you choose spacing based on the cultivar, mature width, and desired hedge shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablishment – Build strong roots in year one\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNewly planted Pittosporum tenuifolium should be watered deeply and frequently until established. Mulch around the root zone to keep soil evenly moist, but do not bury the stems. Mature plants require additional watering only during drought periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturation – Maintain the desired height and density\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost privacy hedges develop their useful screening form within 3–5 years, depending on cultivar, sun, soil, and watering. For maintenance, it is recommended to trim Pittosporum tenuifolium from mid-spring to mid-summer after its initial seasonal growth spurt. Pittosporum tenuifolium can tolerate hard renovation pruning back to bare wood in late winter, though it may recover patchily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal planting windows for Pittosporum tenuifolium are spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and naturally moist. This timing gives the roots a better start before summer heat, fall cooling, or winter stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pittosporum tenuifolium\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kōhūhū, kohuhu, black matipo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree often grouped with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/\"\u003eother fast-growing evergreen privacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest uses:\u003c\/strong\u003e Privacy screen, hedge, windbreak, mixed borders, contemporary garden structure, coastal planting alongside versatile options such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/fern-pine-tree-podocarpus-gracilior\"\u003eFern Pine tree for shade and privacy\u003c\/a\u003ewith evergreen privacy trees](https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically 6–20 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide depending on cultivar, pruning, and growing conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast growing; kōhūhū can reach 0.5 to 3 meters within five years and often forms a useful privacy screen in 3–5 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pittosporum tenuifolium is best suited for mild climates and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11; protect from severe winters, prolonged cold, and drying winter wind\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefers full sun and tolerates partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performs best in fertile, well-draining soil; tolerates some poor soils once established but should never sit in waterlogged ground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply during establishment; mature plants need extra water mainly during summer drought or extended dry periods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, dark reddish-purple, bell-shaped flowers appear in late spring and carry a honey scented fragrance in the evening, making this shrub a companion to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eother flowering trees that boost curb appeal\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, glossy, oval leaves, typically 2–4 cm long, with wavy margins; many cultivars offer green, silver, purple, cream, or yellow variegated foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit and seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowers may be followed by small fruit capsules containing sticky seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pittosporum tenuifolium is a light feeder and requires only a top-dress of compost or a handful of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trim from mid-spring to mid-summer after the first seasonal growth flush to maintain density and shape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pittosporum may be propagated by cuttings in cultivation, while seeds are less commonly used in home landscapes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePotential diseases:\u003c\/strong\u003e Root rot is the main concern in poorly drained soil; healthy roots depend on proper drainage and careful watering, just as with other evergreen shrubs like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/glossy-privet-ligustrum-lucidum\"\u003eglossy privet used in hedging\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePittosporum tenuifolium is related to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/silver-sheen-kohuhu-pittosporum-tenuifolium-silver-sheen\"\u003eother pittosporum shrubs grown in gardens\u003c\/a\u003e across regions such as New Zealand, Australia, and mild coastal climates worldwide. Its combination of dense growth, slender branches, and polished foliage makes it useful as both a formal hedge and a softer, more natural screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia homeowners who want a fast-growing privacy screen without a heavy wall of foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoastal property owners who need salt-tolerant evergreen shrubs for wind protection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBusy gardeners looking for low maintenance hedging with simple pruning needs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape designers creating clean, contemporary garden structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomeowners in Southern California seeking evergreen trees or shrubs that thrive in mild climates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners who want seasonal purple flowers, glossy leaves, and year-round structure alongside productive backyard trees like a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/valencia-orange-tree\"\u003eValencia orange tree for fruit and color\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone planting mixed borders where a graceful, dense, dark-stemmed evergreen will add depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a tall, healthy hedge that can handle sun, partial shade, coastal air, and periods of summer drought once established, Pittosporum Tenuifolium (Kohuhu) is a strong fit. Choose silver sheen for a lighter, shimmering look, Tom Thumb for a compact purple form, or another cultivar based on your space, desired height, and pruning style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Pittosporum tenuifolium grow in California?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePittosporum tenuifolium is considered fast growing in mild California climates. Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as kōhūhū, can reach heights of 0.5 to 3 meters within five years, and many privacy hedges develop strong screening density in about 3–5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat’s the best spacing for privacy hedges?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpacing depends on the cultivar and the final shape you want. Tall forms such as pittosporum tenuifolium silver sheen are often planted closer for a dense hedge, while wider forms need more room for branches and airflow. Yardwork can recommend spacing based on your property, soil, and privacy goals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need regular pruning to maintain shape?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, light pruning helps maintain a dense, even hedge. For maintenance, it is recommended to trim Pittosporum tenuifolium from mid-spring to mid-summer after its initial seasonal growth spurt. Avoid removing too much new growth at once unless renovation is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it survive California drought conditions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, Pittosporum tenuifolium can tolerate strong drought conditions once its root systems are established. Newly planted Pittosporum tenuifolium should be watered deeply and frequently until established, while mature plants require additional watering only during drought periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich cultivar is best for my specific location and needs?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose by size, color, and exposure. ‘Silver Sheen’ has glossy silvery-green leaves and dark brownish-black stems for a tall, airy screen. ‘Nigricans’ is known for black stems. Tom Thumb offers a compact, purple form for containers or smaller garden beds. Variegated cultivars with cream or yellow foliage may need more protection from cold, harsh sun, or severe winters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is the best time to plant in California?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIdeal planting windows for Pittosporum tenuifolium are spring or autumn, when the soil is warm and naturally moist. These seasons help the plant establish healthy roots before summer heat or winter cold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Landscape?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop settling for thin screens, overgrown hedges, or high-maintenance privacy plants. Choose \u003cstrong\u003ePittosporum Tenuifolium (Kohuhu)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a graceful evergreen hedge with dense foliage, dark stems, late spring flowers, and dependable year-round structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork can help you select the right cultivar, confirm growing conditions, arrange California delivery, and support planting with soil testing or landscape consultation options. If you are unsure whether full sun, partial shade, coastal exposure, or inland heat will affect your plant choice, our team can help match the right pittosporum to your site.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":46017772912813,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":46017772945581,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":46017772978349,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/Pittosporumtenuifolium.heic?v=1778959130","url":"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/pittosporum-tenuifolium-kohuhu","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}