Species

2 other cultivars

shrub

Silver Sheen Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tenuifolium is an upright, evergreen species native to New Zealand, characterized by its dark, wiry stems and small, leathery leaves. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous maroon flowers tucked discretely among the foliage.

'Silver Sheen' is distinguished by its exceptionally small, oval leaves with a reflective, silvery-green surface that shimmers in the breeze. The foliage is held on jet-black stems, creating a high-contrast, fine-textured appearance that allows light to filter through the canopy.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a shimmering, fine-textured silver-green screen with contrasting jet-black stems.

Serves as an effective, wind-tolerant windbreak or privacy hedge in coastal areas.

Offers dense nesting habitat and protective cover for small garden birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

144"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained loamy, sandy, or clay-based soil in full sun, or partial shade in hot inland climates.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting, and maintain regular soil moisture throughout the first growing season to establish the root system.
Apply a balanced, slow-release general-purpose fertilizer once a year in early spring before new growth begins.

Pro Tip

Prune only the soft, leafy tips annually to build density; cutting back into the old, bare black wood prevents new buds from breaking and leaves permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Provide partial shade in hot, dry inland climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Tip-prune regularly from a young age to encourage a denser habit.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless, dark wood when pruning.
Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or heavy, waterlogged clay.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Privacy ScreenHedgeSpecimen PlantCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Myrica californica Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Sheen Kohuhu questions

What zones can Silver Sheen Kohuhu grow in?

Silver Sheen Kohuhu 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.

Is Silver Sheen Kohuhu deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Silver Sheen Kohuhu, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Silver Sheen Kohuhu bloom?

Silver Sheen Kohuhu typically blooms in 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 Kohuhu need full sun?

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

Is Silver Sheen Kohuhu drought tolerant?

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