Species

2 other cultivars

shrub

Golf Ball Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball'

$26.00

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tenuifolium is an evergreen shrub native to New Zealand, characterized by small, glossy, oval leaves set against dark, near-black stems. In late spring, it produces tiny, fragrant, dark purple flowers that emit a honey-like scent, though they remain largely hidden within the dense foliage.

'Golf Ball' is a compact, patented cultivar that naturally maintains a tight, globe-shaped habit without requiring frequent shearing. The new foliage emerges a bright, light green before maturing to a rich, glossy dark green, forming a dense, uniform mound.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a year-round, naturally spherical structure with contrasting bright green new foliage and dark stems.

Functions as an excellent low-maintenance low hedge, border accent, or container specimen requiring minimal pruning.

Offers dense, evergreen nesting cover and shelter for small garden birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

15-25 years

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Rocky Knoll Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$26.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light filtered shade with highly permeable, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to ensure the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the root zone.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Never prune past the green canopy into old, leafless wood; this cultivar fails to backbud reliably from bare stems and will not recover its uniform shape.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely.
Shear lightly once or twice a year after the spring growth flush to maintain a formal, rounded shape.
Apply a balanced, slow-release complete fertilizer in early spring to support steady, compact growth.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils or low-lying areas where water pools after rain.
Do not cut back hard into old, leafless wood, as the plant does not readily regenerate from bare branches.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate loose, floppy growth and ruin the naturally tight habit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeFoundation PlantingMass PlantingBorder EdgingContainer Friendly

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Rosmarinus officinalis Salvia officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golf Ball Kohuhu questions

What zones can Golf Ball Kohuhu grow in?

Golf Ball 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 Golf Ball Kohuhu deer resistant?

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

When does Golf Ball Kohuhu bloom?

Golf Ball 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 Golf Ball Kohuhu need full sun?

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

Is Golf Ball Kohuhu drought tolerant?

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