Plant Guide

pittosporum-tenuifolium-golfball

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball'

Evergreen cultivar of the New Zealand native Pittosporum tenuifolium (kohuhu), forming a compact shrub with small light green oval leaves 2-3 cm long. Tiny black or purplish black flowers of about .6 cm across.

Prefers a sunny or semi-shaded position and well-draining soil. Moderately fast growing under average garden conditions. Growth rate is reduced in shade. Avoid wet sites. Responds well to trimming. Tolerates moderate frosts.

Lovely fresh green foliage plant. Tends to grow into a rounded shrub by itself, and with a little help it can be maintained as a perfect ball-shaped plant. A great alternative to the much slower-growing Buxus sempervirens.

Type of plant

Shrub - Evergreen

Size

1 x 1 m, but can be kept smaller by pruning.

Landscape Use

hedge, architectural for its rounded shape

Specifications

  • Temperature: Half hardy
  • Light: Medium High
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Soil: Medium
  • Wind tolerance: Average
  • Coastal tolerance: Average