Pittosporum tenuifolium Gold Star - Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star' is an ornamental variety known for its very bright variegated evergreen foliage. In spring, its young shoots are very bright before turning reddish-brown and then black, creating a striking contrast against its golden appearance. The foliage is a mass of small, leathery, ovate, and glossy leaves in a very light yellow colour, enhanced by a large white central vein and irregular dark green margins. It forms a medium-sized shrub with a dense and compact habit, particularly useful for creating year-round privacy hedges. In summer, its tiny blackish-purple flowers gather in inconspicuous clusters but release a strong honey-scented fragrance, especially during warmer nights. Due to its low hardiness and resistance to drought and salt, it is an ideal shrub for Mediterranean gardens and coastal gardens. Plant it in a sheltered sunny spot, in neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil. Elsewhere, grow it in a container on a balcony or patio and bring it indoors before the frosts arrive.

This shrub belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and is native to dry regions located east of the New Zealand Alps. The 'Gold Star' variety gradually forms a very dense, bushy, and compact shrub that reaches 2m (7ft) in height and 1.50m (5ft) in width. Its slender branching stems are initially bright green before turning reddish-brown and then black. They bear evergreen, alternate, entire, ovate, thick, glossy, leathery leaves with undulate edges. The leaves are small, measuring no more than 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in length and 1.5 to 2 cm (1in) in width. They are yellow, illuminated by a pure white central vein and bordered by irregular dark green margins. The flowers occurs from May to June. The small star-shaped flowers, less than 1 cm (1in) in diameter, discreetly emerge from the axils of the leaves and emit a honey-scented fragrance, especially noticeable at night. They are followed by the formation of a few round fruits that start green and then turn almost black when ripe.

Hardy up to -7C°/-10C°,  Pittosporum 'Gold Star' requires a dry, not too chalky, well-drained soil and a warm, sunny position protected from prevailing winds. It is preferable to grow it in a pot in climates where the winter is very cold. In mild climates, it can be planted in the back of a border in groups of 3 to 5 or as a standalone specimen. With its exceptionally dense habit, this variety can be used to quickly create beautiful, long-lasting, and highly resistant hedges for coastal or dry gardens. In colder regions, it can be grown in a container on a terrace to enjoy its delicate fragrance and Mediterranean charm. Pair it with perennial geraniums, lavenders, rosemary, Grevillea, Escallonia, or combine it with the silvery foliage of Artemisia.