Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Oliver Twist’, also known as the Kohuhu ‘Oliver Twist’ or Tawhiwhi ‘Oliver Twist’, is a compact, evergreen native shrub with silvery-green leaves on slender, dark stems. It is a popular choice for hedges and screens due to its excellent response to trimming, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade and most free-draining soils. For cultivation, it needs well-drained soil, regular watering during establishment, and can tolerate some wind but should be protected from severe coastal exposure.
This special selection of the Kohuhu Pittosporum is an upright, evergreen native shrub. It is characterized by its small, silvery-green leaves set against delicate, black stems. When left untrimmed, it can grow to a height of 2 to 3 meters and a width of 2 meters, but its compact nature and response to pruning make it an excellent choice for creating structured hedges and screens. It is known for its moderate growth rate and its ability to attract bees.
Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it tolerates periodic drought.
Pruning: Responds very well to trimming and can be shaped to maintain a compact form for hedging.
Wind Tolerance: Is wind tolerant but should be protected from severe coastal exposure.
Fertilizing: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in the spring.
Uses: Ideal for hedging, screening, and creating attractive garden borders.
