Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May and June
• Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
  
  Prized for its striking, dark grey or black young stems clothed with distinctive, wavy, small grey-green leaves edged with cream, this large, bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree forms a natural oval. It makes a lovely backdrop to a sunny, well-drained border and responds well to light clipping into a more formal shape. An excellent plant for warm coastal areas, where it can successfully be grown as an attractive, variegated windbreak or hedge.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. To thin or reduce growth prune mid-spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.