Family Pittosporaceae
Originating from New Zealand.
- Evergreen shrub forms a compact, rounded ball of glossy, rich green leaves with wavy margins.
- Small, black, honey-scented flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting bees.
- Thrives in well-drained soil, full sun or part shade, ideal for coastal and urban UK gardens.
A greener twist on classic ‘County Park’, this compact evergreen forms a curvaceous mound, reaching 1m high and wide in 5–10 years, with less purple mottling. Its disease-resistant, glossy leaves, borne on dark stems, are ideal for clipping into domes or hedges, a modern alternative to box. Tiny, scented black flowers draw pollinators in late spring, wafting fragrance through gardens.
This low-maintenance gem shines in coastal and contemporary gardens, needing little care to hold its tidy form. Plant in pots or borders for a polished, softly textured backdrop, perfect for Norfolk’s chic patios or Suffolk’s gravel gardens. Its rounded shape anchors both modern and formal designs.
Care Tips for Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘County Park Green’
- Soil and Sun: Grows in any well-drained soil except heavy, wet clay; densest in full sun or light shade.
- Planting: Plant any time, but water diligently in hot summer weather to avoid stress. Ensure good drainage.
- Watering: Water regularly in first year; moderately drought-resistant once established.
- Pruning: Trim lightly in spring or summer to shape; tolerates hard pruning after frosts.
This rounded evergreen is a vital support plant for all UK gardens. In Norwich’s urban courtyards or Suffolk’s traditional landscapes, its glossy, compact foliage adds lush texture year-round. Viewed through bi-fold doors or from garden rooms, it offers a chic, scented, low-maintenance backdrop for modern lifestyles.
Planting Suggestions for the compact Kohuhu
Make an awesomely architectural, shapely showpiece using the organic, soft shapes of this variety for contrast. Plant Cupressus sempervirens, Trachycarpus wagnerianus, Pseudopanax ferox, and Pinus nigra ‘Richard’ between them to accentuate their skyward trajectories.
Use Pittosporum ‘County Park Green’ to bring order to the rangy, open habits and floral flamboyance of Mediterranean plants. Callistemon ‘Havering Gold’, ‘Packer’s Selection’, and ‘Injune’ are anchored by its form. Genista aetnensis, Albizia Chocolate Fountain, and Acacia pravissima’s weeping forms are given a platform to shine.
For further reading on Pittosporum, visit: https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/pittosporum/
