Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Gold Star'
kohehu
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May to June
- Hardiness: frost hardy (may need winter protection)
The leaves of this decorative evergreen shrub are a subtle blend of greens and gold, so from a distance, the foliage has a slightly luminous quality. On closer inspection, you can see the random mix of colours, which become less pronounced as the leaves start to mature fully. A compact form, it's great for screening (in a sheltered garden), but it will also make a handsome addition to mixed borders or larger pots. The small burgundy flowers it produces in late spring and early summer are very small, and while they might not be much to look at, they do have a rich, honey-like perfume. - Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. To thin or reduce growth prune mid-spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.