Kohuhu | Hardy Evergreen Hedge & Screen Shrub

Kohuhu

5 Gallon

$54.90

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Kohuhu

Pittosporum tenuifolium

The classic fragrant evergreen for large, fast-growing screens and sculptural trees.

$54.90

Size 5 Gallon 15 Gallon 15 Gallon·Stand 24" Box

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Kohuhu is the classic, Pittosporum tenuifolium species-form evergreen that serves as the versatile backbone of many New Zealand-inspired and coastal gardens. It forms a large, dense shrub or small tree with glossy, apple-green leaves on distinctive, nearly black stems. In spring, it fills the evening air with the sweet scent of its dark purple flowers. Fast-growing and highly adaptable, it can be used for everything from a large, informal hedge or windbreak to a sculptural multi-trunked tree, offering both privacy and fragrance.

Classic Glossy Green Foliage: Carries the signature small, wavy, bright green, glossy leaves on contrasting dark, nearly black stems.
Large & Fast-Growing: Quickly matures into a substantial large shrub or small tree, reaching 15-20 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide.
Highly Fragrant Flowers: Produces an abundance of small, dark purple, intensely honey-scented flowers in spring, notable for their evening fragrance.
Ornamental Berries: Female plants (if pollinated) produce attractive small, orange seed capsules that split open to reveal sticky black seeds.
Extremely Versatile: Can be pruned as a large hedge, screen, or shaped into a striking multi-trunked ornamental tree.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Small, oval, wavy-edged, glossy leaves in a bright, medium green color.Flowers: Bell-shaped, dark purple to nearly black, honey-scented flowers in late spring.Fruit: Small, orange seed capsules that split to reveal sticky black seeds.Bark: Notable black-brown stems with fine texture.Habit: Upright, dense evergreen shrub or small tree with rounded form.
Mature Height: 15-20 ft.
Mature Width: 10-15 ft.
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Fast-growing screen or windbreak.Tolerates coastal conditions.Adaptable to various soils.Drought tolerant once established.Responds well to pruning
Landscape Uses:Privacy hedges and screens.Windbreaks.Specimen planting.Coastal gardens

Q: Do I need a male and female plant to get berries?
A: The species is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Only female plants produce berries, and they require a male plant nearby for pollination. Named cultivars may have specific sexes.

Q: How often does it need pruning if grown as a tree?
A: If training it into a tree form, prune in the first few years to select and lift the main trunks, then only occasional pruning is needed to remove lower suckers or shape the canopy. It has a naturally attractive form.