Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Little Kiwi’
Compact Evergreen Shrub
Description:
‘Little Kiwi’ is a compact, tidy form of the popular New Zealand native Pittosporum, valued for its rich, dark chocolate-bronze foliage and naturally rounded shape. Its small, dense leaves and slow-growing habit make it perfect for low hedges, borders, and formal plantings.
Height:
0.8 – 1 metre
Width:
0.8 – 1 metre
Position:
Full sun to light shade
Soil:
Free-draining soil; adaptable to a range of conditions
🌿 Features:
- Compact, naturally rounded habit
- Beautiful deep bronze to purple foliage
- Evergreen year-round interest
- Wind and frost tolerant once established
- Easy to shape or clip as needed
🏡 Uses:
Ideal for low hedging, garden edging, topiary, container planting, and modern landscape designs. Great for both formal gardens and native plantings, where year-round structure and colour are needed.
🌦 Performance in Auckland:
‘Little Kiwi’ performs very well in Auckland’s climate, tolerating humidity, wind, and damp winters as long as soil drains well. Its compact growth makes it especially handy for urban gardens or tight spaces where a tidy, easy-care shrub is desired.
🌿 Cultural Significance:
In Māori culture, horoeka holds notable importance. The juvenile leaves' midribs were traditionally used as bootlaces and for fixing horse bridles and harnesses by early European settlers. Māori also utilized the stems of juvenile trees to spear kererū (native wood pigeons) and crafted paintbrushes for rock art from the leaves. Additionally, the flexible trunks of young trees were fashioned into tokotoko (ceremonial walking sticks).
🌱 Cultivation Requirements:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils; tolerates poor or dry soils once established
- Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 9a–11
- Maintenance: Low; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearanceNotable Characteristics:
- Highly tolerant of wind and coastal conditions
- Slow-growing and long-lived
- Provides architectural interest in gardens and landscapes
Pseudopanax crassifolius is not only a striking ornamental tree but also a significant species in New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage. Its unique growth pattern and resilience make it a valuable addition to both native plantings and modern landscape designs.
