Family Pittosporaceae
Originating from New Zealand
- Dense, glossy evergreen foliage forms a rounded, architectural shrub.
- Red/purple scented flowers bloom in spring on pendulous stems.
- Easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun.
Karo in Your Garden
Abundant foliage and richly coloured flowers make this a showy yet rugged shrub with a unique character. Its evergreen leaves are a rich, matt olive-green above with silver furry undersides, eye-catching on its upright new shoots. Its rich maroon-red flowers, larger than most Pittosporums, add a distinctive, scented flourish.
Hardy in coastal or sheltered UK gardens, it reaches 3–4m high and wide in 10–20 years, flourishing in poor soil and hot, sunny aspects. It is one of the best red-flowered coastal evergreen shrubs for medium height shelter in Norfolk’s exposed seaside gardens, . A drought-tolerant species, it is also perfect for Suffolk’s gravel, Mediterranean-style gardens.
Its profuse, sophisticated flowers are borne in clusters, attracting pollinators and humans alike, making a valuable contribution to wildlife gardens. Showy jade-green seed pods open to reveal black seeds in brightly coloured orange pulp after the flowers, adding intriguing detail.
Growing Tips for Your Pittosporum crassifolium
- Soil and Sun: Plant in well-drained soil; full sun is ideal for best flowering.
- Planting: Set in spring or autumn; summer planting is fine if extra attention is given to watering. Never plant a dry plant; plunge in its pot for 10 minutes to drench the root ball before planting. Water-in thoroughly after planting.
- Watering: Moderate; once established it is drought-tolerant. Water regularly in its first summer after planting.
- Pruning: None required, although it can be shaped to any desired form, including hedges and loose topiary. Prune or trim after flowering.
A unique red-flowered coastal evergreen shrub, valuable for both its ornamental and robust, utilitarian qualities. Grow in a sheltered spot and overwinter in a conservatory or greenhouse in central and northern gardens . However, its resilience in maritime climates makes it a robust and reliable choice for southern and seaside areas.
Planting Ideas for the Coastal Star – Karo
Make a rarefied maroon, red and purple paradise. Plant a smouldering yet subtle panorama of this lesser used colour range, perfect for contemporary or traditional gardens. Acca sellowiana, Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’, Albizia ‘Chocolate Fountain’, and Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ add their bold, larger forms to the composition.
Making a lower spread of hot, dark colour, Libertia ‘Taupo Sunset’, Cordyline ‘Festival Burgundy’ add a spiky Mediterranean flavour. Grevillea diminuta, Nandina ‘Flirt’ and Callistemon ‘Packers Selection’ add a low bushy incendiary flush. Hemerocallis ‘Dominic’ and Agapanthus ‘Poppin Purple’ make a deep, richly coloured floral flourish.
