Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling'

Species

1 other cultivar

‘Silver Sheen’Silver Sheen Pittosporum

shrub

James Stirling kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'James Stirling'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tenuifolium, native to New Zealand, is an upright evergreen shrub or small tree widely grown for hedging and screening. The species features small, glossy leaves held on contrasting dark, wiry stems and produces tiny, night-scented purple flowers in spring.

'James Stirling' is distinguished by its compact, upright growth habit and small, silvery-green to platinum-toned foliage. The shimmering leaves are significantly smaller than those of the wild species, creating a fine-textured, dense screen against its near-black stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, fine-textured screen with striking silver-green foliage set against dark, near-black stems.

Functions as an effective windbreak and privacy hedge that tolerates coastal sea spray.

Offers shelter and nesting habitat for small insectivorous birds and supports local insect populations.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

197 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with free-draining garden soil.
Water deeply during the establishment phase, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood when pruning, as the plant lacks dormant buds on old stems and will fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Water occasionally during dry summer periods to maintain foliage lushness.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, bare, leafless wood.
Do not allow the plant to sit in waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
Do not over-fertilise, as it has low nutrient requirements.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hedges and screensWindbreaks in coastal gardensBackground planting in mixed borders

Companion Plants

Leptospermum species Westringia fruticosa Lomandra longifolia

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 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 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.