Pittosporum tenuifolium Dark Diva Hutdiv - Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium Dark Diva is a shrub with small, undulate ovate leaves that start off light green and gradually turn purplish. In late spring, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers with a very pleasant fragrance. It is rather compact, with fairly rapid growth and tolerates pruning. It works well in a hedge, but will also be interesting as a specimen plant or in a large pot on your terrace. However, it should be reserved for mild climates, as its hardiness is limited to -10°C (14°F).

Pittosporum tenuifolium, or small-leaved pittosporum, is a shrub native to New Zealand, where it can be found in high-altitude dry forests and sometimes on the coast. It belongs to the family Pittosporaceae, which is mainly present in Oceania, but also in tropical Asia and Africa. The small-leaved pittosporum gets its name from its persistent, glossy, undulate oval leaves, which measure about 3cm (1in) in length and 1.5 cm (1in) in width. Between April and June, the shrub produces hundreds of small, purplish-red flowers with 5 petals, somewhat hidden among the leaves. While they may not be spectacular from a distance, they release a sweet fragrance, especially in the evening.

Pittosporum Dark Diva is a compact variety that will not exceed 2 m (7ft) in height and 1.50 to 2 m (5 to 7ft) in width. Its beautiful foliage is tender green and then turns into a dark purplish colour, creating a very graphic bicolour effect. The central vein is often marked with a purplish-pink colour. Its fairly rapid growth gives it a somewhat erect habit, which is very useful for creating informal or trimmed hedges, as well as specimen plants. This variety is an improvement on the classic 'Purpureum': its foliage is darker and its branching denser.

Pittosporum is an accommodating shrub that grows in any good garden soil that is not too chalky, although it can tolerate it.  It likes a position protected from cold winds with well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. In the case of Dark Diva, too much shade would affect the coloration of the foliage. Once established, it will withstand drought well. These shrubs tolerate even severe pruning, making it a safe choice to replace boxwood in mild climates. Its only weakness is indeed its hardiness, which does not exceed -10 to -12°C. In colder regions, however, you can plant it in a pot to enjoy it on your terrace or balcony!

Pair it with other dry loving plants from Oceania, such as Grevillea rosmarinifolia or Prostanthera cuneata, as well as classic Mediterranean plants like rosemary, cotton lavenders, or Jerusalem sage.