Pittosporum tenuifolium Elisabeth - Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Elisabeth' is a beautiful bush native to New Zealand, preferring mild climates. It is appreciated for the great beauty of its evergreen and variegated foliage that changes colour throughout the seasons. Its small, tough and undulate leaves have a grey-green hue strongly bordered with cream to pink, then they are adorned with pretty shades due to the cold. In late spring, its small flowers appear, exuding a light honey scent on warm nights. This plant, adapted to maritime climates, will thrive in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It can be planted in a large rock garden, a dry garden, by the sea, or in a large pot to be stored in cold climates.

This bush belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and is native to the dry regions east of the Alps in New Zealand. Over time, it forms a dense and conical bush measuring 1.50m (4ft 11in) to 2m (7ft 6in) in height, with a spread of 1m (4ft 3in). Its ramified stems bear evergreen, alternate, entire, ovate, thick, very glossy, tough leaves with undulate edges. They are small, not exceeding 3 to 4cm (1.2 - 1.6in) in length and 1.5 to 2cm (0.6 - 0.8in) in width. Variegated with almond-grey and cream-pink in spring and summer, they turn pink and red in winter. The flowering takes place in late spring or early summer. The small cup-shaped flowers, less than 1cm (0.4in) in diameter, emit a scent that is especially noticeable at night. They are followed by the formation of a few round fruits, initially green and then almost black when mature.

Hardy down to -7C°/-10°C, Pittosporum 'Elisabeth' requires a dry, not too chalky, well-drained soil, a warm, sunny location protected from prevailing winds. It tolerates sea spray perfectly, which allows it to be used without reservation in a free hedge by the sea. In mild climates, it can also be planted on a large slope or at the back of a border. Accompany it with Pistacia lentiscus, Olearia, lavender, rosemary, Grevilleas, Escallonias or combine it with the silver foliage of Artemisias. In colder regions, it can be planted in a pot on a terrace to enjoy its delicate scent and Mediterranean charm.