Pittosporum tenuifolium Purpureum - Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Purpureum' is a variety prized for its evergreen foliage that ends in a dark purple colour! Emerging in a vibrant olive green shade, these small undulate and glossy leaves turn light bronze and then red bronze before darkening further. It is a medium-sized bushy and erect shrub with a naturally rounded and dense habit that does not require specific pruning. Its finely divided young branches are bronze-purple before turning black. The fast growth of this shrub allows for the quick formation of elegant screening hedges, resistant to heat, drought, and sea spray. Use it as a background plant to highlight lighter flowers or foliage, or as a specimen plant along a terrace border where one can enjoy the gentle fragrance of its dark and inconspicuous flowers. It is tender, it can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean or coastal gardens, in well-drained soil and sheltered from cold winds. Elsewhere, grow it in a pot on a balcony or terrace and bring it indoors before the frosts arrive.

This shrub belongs to the Pittosporaceae family and is native to the dry regions east of the New Zealand Alps. Over time the 'Purpureum' variety forms a dense, bushy and erect shrub that reaches 2m (7ft) in height and 1.2m (4ft) in width. Its slender branching stems are initially bronze-purple before turning black. They bear evergreen, alternate, entire, ovate, thick, very glossy, leathery leaves with undulate edges. They are small, not exceeding 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in length and 1.5 to 2cm (1in) in width. They are initially olive green, gradually changing to dark purple through to light bronze and red bronze. Flowering takes place from May to June. The small star-shaped flowers, less than 1cm (1in) in diameter, are subtle and positioned at the axil of the leaves.  They emit a honey scent, especially noticeable at night. They are followed by the formation of a few round fruits, initially green and then almost black when ripe.

Hardy down to -7C°/-10C°, Pittosporum 'Purpureum' 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 areas where the winter is very cold. In mild climates, it can be planted as a backdrop to a border in groups of 3 to 5 plants or as a specimen plant. With its fast growth, this variety can be used to quickly form beautiful informal hedges that are highly resistant to coastal or dry garden conditions. In cold regions, it can be placed in a container on a terrace to enjoy its delicate fragrance and Mediterranean charm. Pair it with perennial geraniums, lavenders, rosemary, Grevillea, Escallonia or complement it with the silver foliage of Artemisia.