Pittosporum tenuifolium Orbitea - Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Lapitty' Orbitea
Tawhiwhi, Kohuhu, Black Matipo, New Zealand Pittosporum

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3L/4L pot

From 29,50 €

Price per item 34,50 €
Price for 3: 88,50 € i.e 29,50 € each

Sku: 2471101

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This Pittosporum Orbitea forms a compact cushion of small elongated leaves that remain decorative in winter. Its naturally rounded and dense habit, which requires no pruning, works wonders in borders or containers. Hardy down to -7/-10°C, this small bush tolerates drought well and has proven to be less susceptible to pests. It makes an excellent alternative to box hedging in mild climates. In colder regions, it is best to grow it in a large container for overwintering.

Flower size

1 cm

Height at maturity

1 m

Spread at maturity

1 m

Exposure

Sun

Hardiness

Hardy down to -9.5°C

Soil moisture

Dry soil, Moist soil

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Best planting time March to April

Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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OCT O

NOV N

DEC D

Flowering time May to June

JAN J

FEB F

MAR M

APR A

MAY M

JUN J

JUL J

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SEP S

OCT O

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Description

The Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Orbitea' is a naturally compact variety of Kohuhu that does not require pruning. This small, dense bush forms an attractive rounded cushion of tender green, elongated, decorative leaves all year round. Fairly drought-resistant, it can replace boxwood in a border or on a patio. Its hardiness remains limited (-7 to -10°C), which restricts its cultivation in open ground to regions with mild winters. Elsewhere, it grows very well in pots to be overwintered protected from frosts.

The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Orbitea’ ('Lapitty') belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. This ornamental variety comes from the species Pittosporum tenuifolium, endemic to New Zealand, where it grows in coastal and low mountain forests of the northern and southern Islands, up to an altitude of 900 m. The type species is an evergreen tree or bush reaching up to 10 metres in height, characterised by dark stems and pale green foliage with undulate margins.

The cultivar ‘Orbitea’ is characterised by its small development and naturally rounded, dense habit. Its evergreen, elongated leaves display a tender green hue. They are ovate with undulate edges and measure between 2 and 4 cm long. Young stems are often black or dark brown in colour. At maturity, the plant reaches a height and width of about 1 m in open ground as well as in pots. Flowering occurs in May-June in the form of small, discreet, purple to violet flowers shaped like little bells, emitting a honey scent noticeable in the evening.

Hardy down to -7°C/-10°C, the Pittosporum Orbitea is cultivated in very well-drained soil, in a warm, sunny position and protected from prevailing winds. By the sea, it can be used like boxwood in a shrub bed, to border a large path or to create a low hedge. In cold regions, it should be placed in a container on the patio to enjoy its evening fragrance and its charm in all its roundness. Whether in the garden or in a pot, a beautiful harmony can be achieved with compact Mediterranean plants such as the myrtle 'Tarentina', the Teucrium 'Indyho' or some bushy sages.

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Pittosporum: planting, growing and pruning

Family sheet

Modified the 5 August 2025 by Valérie 11 min.

Pittosporum: planting, growing and pruning

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Pittosporum or Pittospore is an elegant bush, somewhat frost‑tender, much valued for its evergreen foliage that makes it decorative all year round. From the glossy green of a Pittosporum tobira, to the purple of a Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb', through variegated, speckled or golden varieties… Impossible not to fall under its charm! Beyond the diversity of foliage, Pittosporums produce a flowering composed of charming bell‑shaped flowers in white, yellow, red or purple, depending on variety. Their appearance in spring, generally in May, is accompanied by a powerful orange blossom fragrance, especially noticeable on warm nights. All Pittosporum species and varieties offer a harmonious, naturally rounded habit. They tolerate pruning very well and can easily be trained as topiary, to the point of outshining traditional box balls of <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/shrubs-by-variety/buxus-boxwood.html">box</a>. [caption id="attachment_39862" align="aligncenter" width="1172"]<img class="wp-image-39862 size-full" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/pittosporum-tenuifolium-elisabeth.jpg" alt="Variegated foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Elisabeth'." width="1172" height="390" /> The variegated foliage of <a href="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/arbustes/arbustes-par-variete/pittosporum/pittosporum-tenuifolium-elisabeth-pittosporum-a-petites-feuilles-panachees.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Elisabeth'</a> is very decorative.[/caption] In the garden, Pittosporum readily finds a place in regions with mild climates, notably coastal areas whose sea spray it tolerates. It is often planted as a hedge, alone or with other Mediterranean bushes, such as <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/shrubs-by-variety/nerium-oleander.html">oleander</a>. It also structures borders and rockeries beautifully. Its average hardiness is not an obstacle to cultivation in colder regions. Simply plant it in a pot, a culture it tolerates very well, so it can be overwintered easily. It nicely adorns a terrace or balcony from spring to autumn. Easy to care for, Pittosporum is undemanding about soil type, although it prefers fairly fertile, and above all well‑drained, soil. It thrives in sunny situations sheltered from dry or cold winds. Once established, Pittosporum requires little maintenance, apart from a dressing of compost in early spring. It tolerates pruning well, even if pruning is unnecessary. It naturally retains a harmonious habit, further proof that it really is king of hedges in mild climates!

Pittosporum tenuifolium Orbitea - Kohuhu in pictures

Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m

Spread at maturity 1 m

Habit irregular, bushy

Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant

Flowering time May to June

Fragrance Fragrant, honey and vanilla fragrance, in the evening and at night.

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen

Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Pittosporum

Species

tenuifolium

Cultivar

'Lapitty' Orbitea

Family

Pittosporaceae

Other common names

Tawhiwhi, Kohuhu, Black Matipo, New Zealand Pittosporum

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 247110

Planting and care

Pittosporum 'Orbitea' is best planted in spring in fertile, loose, well-drained soil. It tolerates limestone but particularly appreciates silt-rich soil. When planting, mix leaf compost and coarse sand with your garden soil at a 50% ratio. Water your plant generously once or twice weekly to encourage establishment. Once established (after 2 or 3 years), this bush will not require any summer watering. In very dry regions, occasional summer watering will be welcome. Moderately hardy (-7°/-10°C), choose a warm location in full sun and sheltered from prevailing winds. Mulch the base immediately. Position it along a south-facing wall in regions with harsh winters. In cooler climates, cover with a winter fleece or shelter in a frost-free conservatory during the cold season. In case of a severe winter (prolonged cold, snow), prune severely - the plant will regenerate and the 'ball' shape will reform. Prune to ground level in the most severe cases; it may regrow from the stump, quite late in spring.

Pittosporum tenuifolium can be susceptible to Phytophthora, a fungus that attacks the collar and roots in soil that is both warm and permanently moist.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April

Recommended planting time March to May, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow

Type of use Border, Edge of border, Small gardens, Container, Hedge

Hardiness Hardy down to -9.5°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map

Ease of cultivation Amateur

Exposure Sun

Soil pH Neutral

Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)

Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained, loose and fertile soil.