Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

How often should I prune it?

Prune once or twice a year to maintain the desired shape and density.

Plant guide

Kohuhu.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pronounced pi-TOS-por-um ten-yoo-ih-FOH-lee-um

Also known as Black Matipo, Kohuhu, Tawhiwhi, thin leaved pittosporum

Kōhūhū — Photo by Frank Ashwood (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The Kohuhu is a lovely evergreen shrub known for its wavy, glossy leaves and dark, slender stems. It's a popular choice for hedges because it takes well to pruning and stays quite dense. You'll find it adds a nice, refined texture to any garden space.

Another photo of Kohuhu — Photo by David Orlovich (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 10
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep your plant in well-draining soil and watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal too much moisture. It appreciates a sheltered spot away from harsh, drying winds. Regular trimming helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages thicker growth.

Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once during the spring.
Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage density.
Repotting: Repot only when the roots have filled the current container.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -10 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 15 to 25 years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion of large quantities may cause mild stomach upset.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The small black seeds are a potential choking hazard for small children.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically a significant allergen.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Wavy margins on glossy green leaves
Dark purple to black stems
Small fragrant dark red flowers
Evergreen shrub or small tree habit

Height: 2 to 4m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: dark purple, blackish, 1cm
Fruit: black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Pittosporum psyllid · Small insects that cause bumps and leaf distortion on new growth.
Leaf spot · Fungal spots appearing on foliage during periods of high humidity.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your kohuhu from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, provide a sheltered spot away from drying winter winds. Mulch the base to protect roots from deep freezes.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, provided they have excellent drainage and the plant is pruned regularly.

Semi-ripe cuttings

Take 10cm cuttings in late summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Place in a pot with sandy, well-draining mix.
Keep in a bright, humid spot until rooted.

Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot in wetter climates.

Grows well with

Camellia · They share similar soil and moisture requirements.
Hebe · These plants provide a nice contrast in leaf texture and size.

Similar species

Lemonwood · It has similar growth habits but features lighter, lemon-scented foliage.

Science

Family: Pittosporaceae
Genus: Pittosporum
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: New Zealand
Conservation: It is not currently listed as endangered or threatened in its native range.

It thrives in forest margins and scrubland where it can handle varied light conditions.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, beetles
Uses: hedging, topiary, ornamental shrub, floral arrangements

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 4/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
How often should I prune it?: Prune once or twice a year to maintain the desired shape and density.

Where the name comes from

The name Pittosporum comes from the Greek words for pitch and seed, referring to the sticky coating on the seeds. Tenuifolium means thin-leaved.

Good to know

It is commonly called Kohuhu in its native New Zealand.
The leaves are often used in floral bouquets for their dark, wavy appearance.
It is very popular for hedging because it responds well to regular pruning.

Keep your kohuhu growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.