This large shrub to small tree has a short trunk with spreading branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has grey-green lanced-shaped leaves and the small bell-shaped greenish flowers appear in a cluster in spring but tend to be hidden by the foliage.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Pittosporum eugenioides is naturally found in the north and south islands of New Zealand growing along forest margins from the coast to the mountains up to an altitude of 700m (20,000ft). 

It prefers a well drained fertile sandy to clay loam but tolerates poorer soils and grows in a sunny to semi shaded open position and tolerates a light frost and short dry periods.

Pittosporum is grown for its attractive foliage and rounded crown. It is grown along borders for screening or trimmed as an informal hedge. It is also used as a specimen in parks and gardens or planted in woodland settings. It establishes in 2 to 4 years and under cultivation ti grows from 3m (10ft) to 6m (20ft) but dislikes soil built up around the base. It is suitable for coastal or inland regions preferring cooler moist environment. ID 589

Pittosporum (pi-TOS-po-rum) eugenioides (ew-jeen-ee-OI-deez)

‘Pittosporum’: from Greek pitte + sporos - tar-seed (refers to the resinous covering on the seed); ‘eugenioides’: like Eugenia; ‘variegatum’: of varied colours (refers to the leaves).

Pittosporaceae (pit-OS-paw-RAY-see-ee)