Botanical name:

Pittosporum rigidum

Common name(s):

About:

A shrub with a scattered distribution found in various montane areas of both islands of New Zealand. It typically grows to an impressive height of about 2m and is well branched, creating a dense appearance, with small, sometimes blistered leaves that add unique texture. In the spring, it produces striking dark red flowers that enhance its visual appeal in the landscape.

Natural habitat:

Lower montane to subalpine forest margins. Often being mistaken for a Coprosma species.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Drought & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South Islands

Height: 2m

Flowering:

September - December with dark red coloured flowers

Fruiting:

October – February

Uses:

Bird attractant, Bee food, Forests & Riparian plantings

How to grow:
Easily grown from fresh seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings though slow to strike and easily rooted. This species will tolerate a range of conditions but it does best in sun or semi shade with a free draining soil. Requires some shelter from the wind.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed up and even out germination time