Pittosporums – The Ultimate NZ Native Hedging and Screening Plants
If you're looking for a tough, versatile, and attractive hedge or screening plant, it's hard to go past a Pittosporum. These evergreen New Zealand natives have become a favourite in gardens across the country thanks to their fast growth, year-round foliage, and ability to handle everything from coastal conditions to Canterbury frosts.
Whether you need a formal hedge, a dense privacy screen, a feature shrub, or a low-maintenance shelter belt, our range of Pittosporums offers something for almost every situation. Most varieties are quick growing, respond well to trimming, and provide excellent shelter from wind while creating a tidy, evergreen backdrop for the rest of your garden.
Why Choose Pittosporums?
Pittosporums are among the most adaptable evergreen hedging plants available in New Zealand. They are generally tolerant of frost, wind, coastal exposure, and periods of dry weather once established. Their dense branching habit makes them ideal for creating privacy, reducing wind, and defining garden spaces.
Most varieties prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, although they are remarkably forgiving once established. Regular trimming encourages dense growth and helps maintain the desired size and shape.
Pittosporum Hedging Guide
Pittosporums are excellent hedging plants because they naturally form dense foliage from top to bottom.
Plant Spacing
- Small varieties: 50–80cm apart
- Medium hedges: 80cm–1m apart
- Large screening varieties: 1–1.5m apart
When to Trim
Light trimming can be carried out throughout the growing season. Major shaping is best completed in late winter or early spring before strong spring growth begins.
Growth Rate
Most Pittosporums are considered moderate to fast growing, typically adding 30–60cm of growth per year depending on conditions.
Pittosporum tenuifolium (aka Kohuhu or Black Matipo)
One of New Zealand's most iconic native hedging plants, Pittosporum tenuifolium is valued for its dense branching structure and small olive-green leaves carried on striking dark stems. It creates a beautiful, refined hedge that looks equally at home in formal or informal gardens.
- Height: 4–6m
- Width: 2–3m
- Frost tolerant
- Wind tolerant
- Coastal tolerant
- Excellent shelter and privacy hedge
- Responds exceptionally well to trimming
Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata
This elegant variegated form features attractive grey-green foliage edged in creamy white. The lighter foliage brightens darker corners of the garden and creates year-round contrast.
- Height: 3–4m
- Width: 2–3m
- Frost tolerant
- Coastal tolerant
- Great feature hedge or specimen plant
- Provides colour without needing flowers
Pittosporum eugenioides (aka Lemonwood)
Known for its fresh lime-green foliage and distinctive lemon scent when crushed, Lemonwood is one of the fastest-growing Pittosporums available. New growth emerges bright green, creating a vibrant hedge that stands out throughout the year.
- Height: 8–10m
- Width: 4–5m
- Fast growing
- Frost tolerant
- Excellent shelter belt
- Wind tolerant
- Attractive to native birds
Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum
A beautiful variegated form of Lemonwood featuring green foliage splashed with creamy-yellow margins. It brings brightness and texture to hedges and mixed native plantings.
- Height: 5–8m
- Width: 3–4m
- Frost tolerant
- Wind tolerant
- Excellent screening plant
- Provides year-round colour and interest
Pittosporum Screenmaster (aka Wrinkled Blue)
As the name suggests, Screenmaster is bred specifically for creating dense privacy screens and shelter hedges. It produces lush green foliage and naturally forms a thick wall of greenery.
- Height: 4–6m
- Width: 2–3m
- Fast growing
- Excellent for privacy
- Frost tolerant
- Wind tolerant
- One of the best modern screening varieties
Pittosporum Reverend Green
Reverend Green is a compact, dense-growing variety with rich green foliage and excellent natural form. Very similar to its cousin Pitto Stephens Island. It requires less maintenance than larger-growing varieties while still providing an effective screen.
- Height: 2–3m
- Width: 1.5–2m
- Compact growth habit
- Frost tolerant
- Ideal for smaller gardens
- Excellent low-maintenance hedge
Pittosporum Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard features striking variegated foliage with creamy-white and green colouring that creates a bright, modern look. It works equally well as a feature shrub or trimmed hedge.
- Height: 2–3m
- Width: 1.5–2m
- Frost tolerant
- Coastal tolerant
- Attractive variegated foliage
- Excellent year-round interest
Pittosporum Golden Zedge
Golden Zedge is prized for its vibrant golden-green foliage that adds colour and warmth to the landscape. New growth is especially bright, making this variety stand out in mixed plantings and hedges.
- Height: 3–4m
- Width: 2–3m
- Frost tolerant
- Wind tolerant
- Bright golden foliage
- Excellent feature hedge
Pittosporum Pom Pom
Pom Pom naturally forms a rounded, compact shape with dense foliage, making it ideal for low hedges, borders, and formal garden designs. Its tidy growth habit requires minimal pruning to maintain its attractive shape.
- Height 1-1.5m
- Width: 1–1.5m
- Compact growth habit
- Frost tolerant
- Great for topiary and formal gardens
- Perfect for smaller spaces
Pittosporum Small Ball
Small Ball is a naturally compact Pittosporum that forms a dense, rounded mound of fine green foliage. Its tidy growth habit makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance borders, formal gardens, and small hedges where a neat appearance is desired year-round. Unlike larger Pittosporums, Small Ball requires very little pruning to maintain its shape.
- Height: 0.8–1m
- Width: 0.8–1m
- Naturally compact and rounded
- Frost tolerant
- Ideal for low hedges and borders
- Excellent for formal garden designs
- Low maintenance and easy to shape
Pittosporum Gum Drop
Gum Drop is a compact, evergreen Pittosporum selected for its dense foliage and naturally rounded form. Its rich green leaves and tidy habit make it perfect for modern landscapes, mass planting, edging pathways, or creating a structured low hedge. Gum Drop is tough, easy to grow, and maintains a neat appearance with minimal trimming.
- Height: 1–1.2m
- Width: 1–1.2m
- Dense, rounded growth habit
- Frost tolerant
- Great for low hedges and foundation planting
- Suitable for contemporary and formal gardens
- Minimal pruning required
How to plant and maintain a Pittosporum Hedge
A Pittosporum hedge is one of the quickest and easiest ways to create privacy, shelter, and structure in your garden. Whether you're planting a formal boundary hedge, a shelter belt, or a dense screen from the neighbours, getting the planting right from the start will help your hedge establish faster and look better for years to come.
Step 1: Choose the Right Pittosporum
Different Pittosporums suit different situations.
For tall screening and shelter:
- Pittosporum Screenmaster
- Pittosporum tenuifolium
- Pittosporum eugenioides (Lemonwood)
For medium-sized hedges:
- Reverend Green
- Golden Hedge
- Snow Leopard
For low formal hedges and borders:
- Pittosporum Pom Pom
- Pittosporum Small Ball
- Pittosporum Gum Drop
Think about how tall and wide you want your finished hedge to be before selecting a variety.
Step 2: Measure Your Hedge Line
Mark out the hedge using a string line or garden hose. This will help keep the planting straight and give you an accurate measurement for calculating plant numbers.
Recommended Plant Spacing
Small Ball
- 50-60cm apart
- Creates a super dense low hedge.
Pom Pom
- 50-60cm apart
- Creates a dense low hedge quickly
Gum Drop
- 60-70cm apart
Reverend Green
- 70-80cm apart
Snow Leopard
- 70-80cm apart
Golden Zedge
- 80cm apart
Pittosporum tenuifolium
- 80cm-1m apart
Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegata
- 80cm-1m apart
Screenmaster
- 1m apart
- Can be planted at 80cm for a faster screen
Pittosporum eugenioides
- 1-1.5m apart
Pittosporum eugenioides Variegatum
- 1-1.2m apart
Quick Rule
For most residential hedges:
- Plant at 80cm spacing for a dense hedge.
- Plant at 1m spacing for an economical screen.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
Pittosporums grow best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Before planting:
- Remove weeds and grass along the planting line.
- Loosen the soil to at least a spade depth.
- Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter if available.
- Avoid planting into waterlogged areas.
If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting slightly raised or improving drainage before planting.
Step 4: Dig the Planting Holes
Dig each hole approximately twice the width of the root ball and about the same depth as the nursery pot.
The aim is for the top of the root ball to sit level with the surrounding soil once planted.
Step 5: Remove the Pot and Check the Roots
Gently remove each plant from its pot.
If roots are circling around the outside of the root ball, lightly tease them apart with your fingers. This encourages roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil.
Step 6: Plant and Backfill
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
Firm the soil gently around the root ball to remove large air pockets, but avoid compacting it excessively.
Check that the plant remains upright and aligned with the rest of the hedge.
Step 7: Water Thoroughly
Give each plant a deep soak immediately after planting.
This helps settle the soil around the roots and reduces transplant shock.
Even if rain is forecast, always water newly planted hedges.
Step 8: Apply Mulch
Apply a 5-10cm layer of mulch along the hedge line.
Suitable mulches include:
- Bark mulch
- Wood chips
- Compost
- Leaf mould
Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the stems to prevent rot.
Mulching helps:
- Suppress weeds
- Retain moisture
- Improve soil health
- Reduce temperature fluctuations
Step 9: Water During Establishment
The first year is the most important period for establishing a hedge.
Spring and Summer
Water deeply once or twice per week during dry periods.
Autumn and Winter
Supplementary watering is usually only needed during prolonged dry spells.
Deep watering is far more effective than frequent light watering.
Step 10: Begin Light Trimming
Once your Pittosporums have established and are actively growing, begin light trimming.
Don't wait until the hedge reaches its final height.
Regular light trimming encourages:
- More branching
- Denser growth
- Better coverage from the ground up
Little and often produces a much better hedge than infrequent hard cuts.
Long-Term Hedge Care
For the healthiest hedge:
- Feed annually in spring with a general garden fertiliser.
- Keep weeds and grass away from the base.
- Water during extended dry periods.
- Trim 1-3 times per year depending on the desired look.
When trimming, keep the hedge slightly wider at the bottom than the top. This allows sunlight to reach the lower branches and prevents the base from becoming thin and bare.
With proper planting and care, most Pittosporum hedges will establish quickly and provide years of attractive shelter, privacy, and evergreen structure in your garden.