Pittosporum tenuifolium

What are the landscaping uses for Pittosporum tenuifolium in NZ?

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a popular choice in landscaping projects in NZ. It makes a beautiful hedge and a fantastic screen, but also makes for a lovely specimen or a lush backdrop for smaller plants. It is the gorgeous foliage and versatility of this plant that makes it a popular choice in landscaping. Few other trees can grow on marginal soils and climates and still look amazing.

Pittosporum tenuifolium hedge spacing

The Pittosporum tenuifolium hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing to achieve an amazing hedge.

Why is Pittosporum tenuifolium called Black Matipo?

The name "Black Matipo" for Pittosporum tenuifolium comes from a combination of factors related to the plant's characteristics. The plant develops dark grey to black branchlets, particularly towards the tips. Its flowers are a very dark reddish-purple, appearing almost black as they age. Also, the seed capsules turn almost black when ripe. The "Matipo" component is used because Matipo is a term used in New Zealand to refer to certain native shrubs and trees in NZ. Therefore, "Black Matipo" is a descriptive name that highlights the plant's dark coloration and its classification within the native New Zealand flora.

What is the Pittosporum tenuifolium growth rate?

The growth rate of Pittosporum tenuifolium depends on where it is positioned and how well it is cared for. In a warm climate with good growing conditions, it will grow to 10 m tall and 3-5 m wide in about 10-15 years. Where anything impedes the growth such as drought, wind exposure, cold climates it will grow at a slower rate. While this tree can grow to 10 m tall, it is often clipped to smaller sizes and often into a hedge. Overall, the growth rate is considered medium relative to other NZ native hedging plants.

Pittosporum tenuifolium trees for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Pittosporum tenuifolium trees for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant and hedge needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What are the best growing conditions for Pittosporum tenuifolium In NZ?

Pittosporum tenuifolium grows best in NZ when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good drainage as plants can become diseased and die if drainage is poor, they are waterlogged, or both. It will tolerate coastal environments, wind, and frost.

Pittosporum tenuifolium flowers

Pittosporum tenuifolium, also known as kōhūhū or black matipo, has distinctive flowers. They are small, typically around 1 cm in diameter. Their colour ranges from dark red-purple to almost black and this colouring darkens as they age. Occasionally, they can also be red or yellow. The flowers are fragrant and have a honey-like scent which is more noticeable in damp conditions. The scent attracts night-flying insects, such as moths, which aid in pollination. The flowers develop from lateral buds, and can appear either individually or in small clumps.

Pittosporum tenuifolium problems

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a hardy and popular hedging plant in New Zealand, but like any plant, it can be susceptible to certain problems. Root rot is a fungal disease that thrives in waterlogged soil and it attacks the roots, preventing the plant from taking up water and nutrients. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and dieback. To prevent root rot, ensure your Pittosporum is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. A further common problem is the tree can become sparse of foliage. This will occur if shade levels are too high or the trees have not been regularly trimmed. The simple solution here is to plant the tree in full sun and undertake trimming once per annum. These two problems account for about 95% of the issues but are easily controlled or prevented. Pest issues are infrequent as are other fungal issues.