Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling'

Species

2 other cultivars

shrub

James Stirling Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tenuifolium is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand, characterized by its dark, wiry stems and dense growth habit. In its native habitat, it grows in coastal and lower montane forest margins, adapting to a variety of well-drained soils.

'James Stirling' is distinguished by its exceptionally narrow, upright columnar form and small, silvery-green to platinum-blue leaves with wavy margins. The pale, shimmering foliage contrasts sharply against the near-black twigs, making it a highly decorative choice for hedges or screens.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers striking contrast with its shimmering silvery-green foliage set against dark, wiry, near-black stems.

Functions as an excellent, fast-growing windbreak and privacy screen with high tolerance for coastal salt winds.

Provides valuable shelter and nesting sites for small birds, while the spring flowers attract generalist pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level to prevent collar rot.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply to settle the roots.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture retention against the bark.

Pro Tip

Never shear past the green foliage line into the bare, dark interior wood, as the plant lacks the ability to regenerate from old stems.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in raised beds or sloped areas if your garden has heavy clay soil.
Water regularly during the first summer to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a tight, dense habit.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain soggy, which triggers rapid root rot.
Do not cut back into bare, leafless interior wood when shearing.
Do not plant in low-lying areas where cold air or water pools.

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

Formal or informal hedgingWindbreaks and coastal screensTextural specimen planting

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

James Stirling Kohuhu questions

What zones can James Stirling Kohuhu grow in?

James Stirling Kohuhu is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is James Stirling Kohuhu deer resistant?

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

When does James Stirling Kohuhu bloom?

James Stirling Kohuhu typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does James Stirling Kohuhu need full sun?

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

Is James Stirling Kohuhu drought tolerant?

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