Pittosporum crassifolium ‘Stephens Island’ is a hardy evergreen New Zealand native shrub or small tree form of karo, selected from Stephens Island, with thick, leathery grey-green leaves that have a soft, pale felted underside and a dense, upright habit, and it produces clusters of small reddish-purple, strongly scented flowers in spring followed by sticky black seeds; it is very tolerant of wind, coastal exposure, drought, and poor soils, making it ideal for shelter planting, hedging, and exposed coastal gardens.
Pittosporum Stephen's Island
$15.00Price
Botanical Name Pittosporum ralphii Stephens Island
Māori Name Common Name Stephens Island Family Pittosporaceae Type Evergreen shrub Origin New Zealand Mature Height 3-5m Mature Spread 2-3m Sun Requirements Full sun, part shade Soil Prefers light, well-drained soils; avoid consistently damp or waterlogged conditions Flowering Spring — small fragrant purple flowers Wind Tolerance Excellent — tolerates wind and salt spray; suitable for coastal sites Frost Tolerance Hardy Drought Tolerance Moderate Growth Rate Relatively fast Maintenance Very low — tolerates heavy clipping Conservation Status Not Threatened
