Species

1 other cultivar

‘James Stirling’James Stirling kohuhu

shrub

Silver Sheen Pittosporum

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tenuifolium, native to New Zealand, is an upright evergreen species known for its dark stems and small, leathery leaves. The species produces small, dark purple to near-black flowers in late spring that emit a sweet, honey-like scent in the evening.

'Silver Sheen' is a horticultural selection widely grown in Australia for its shimmering, light-reflecting foliage. The small, slightly wavy leaves emerge as pale silver-lime and mature to a silvery-grey, contrasting sharply with the slender, near-black stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Shimmering silver-grey foliage and contrasting dark stems create a light, airy visual screen.

Functions as a fast-growing, narrow hedge or windbreak with good coastal salt tolerance.

Provides safe, dense nesting shelter for small native birds and attracts beneficial insects with its fragrant flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand (species), Australia (cultivar selection)

Toxicity

Generally non-toxic, mechanical skin irritant

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to partially shaded position, ensuring the soil is well-drained loam, sandy loam, or improved clay.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and level with the soil surface to prevent water pooling around the stem.
Water deeply immediately after planting and maintain regular watering during the establishment phase.
Apply a generous layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune the outer foliage two to three times a year during active growth to maintain a dense screen; cutting hard back into old, leafless wood will prevent the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Tip-prune regularly during spring and summer to encourage dense growth.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Don't

Do not prune hard back into bare, leafless interior wood.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Do not plant too close to boundary lines without planning for regular trimming.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hedges and privacy screensWindbreaks in coastal gardensContrast planting against dark backdrops

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia Correa alba

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Sheen Pittosporum questions

What zones can Silver Sheen Pittosporum grow in?

Silver Sheen Pittosporum is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Silver Sheen Pittosporum bloom?

Silver Sheen Pittosporum typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Silver Sheen Pittosporum need full sun?

Silver Sheen Pittosporum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Silver Sheen Pittosporum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Silver Sheen Pittosporum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.