It is densely branched, with slender stems which on young shoots are gray to nearly black.
Favored for hedges, it thrives in full sun andfrost-free temperatureslike Pacific Northwest coastal gardens.
Native to New Zealand, Kohuhu has naturalized in Australia as well as California.
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There are more than 25 cultivars offered in the nursery trade with several compact versions suitable for container gardening.
Plant kohuhu in a full sun location for optimum growth.
Kohuhu prefers moist, well-draining soils and can tolerate some maritime salt spray.
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Planting should be done in spring or fall and the new shrub watered deeply for the first year.
Until the plant is established, protect roots from frost by adding mulch around the base of the plant.
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Light
Kohuhu prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
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If used as a container plant, it should receive at least six hours of sun each day.
Soil
The shrubs or small trees will thrive in fertile, well-draining soil.
If planting in an area with clay soils, add compost to improve drainage.
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Water
Newly planted kohuhu should be watered deeply and frequently until the plant becomes established.
Mature shrubs require additional watering only during periods of drought.
Container shrubs require frequent watering, especially during periods of higher temperatures.
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Temperature and Humidity
Kohuhu prefers the warmer temperatures of Hardiness zones 8 - 11.
They will tolerate light frost but not sustained periods of freezing temperatures.
High levels of humidity are well-tolerated.
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Fertilizer
When planting new shrubs, add somebone mealto the soil to help the plant become established.
Once established, if the soil is fertile, additional fertilization is not needed.
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Pruning
The amount of pruning needed for kohuhu is dependent on the look you desire.
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The best time to prune kohuhu is in the spring.
In early spring, check for any winter damage and remove broken stems.
Propagating Kohuhu
Kohuhu can be propagated easily by taking cuttings or layering.
The seeds take at least two months to germinate, often as long as four months.
It is not the recommended way to grow new plants.
If growing in a rainy winter environment, confirm the container does not become water-logged.
Overwintering requires no special care unless extremely cold temperatures or heavy snows are expected.
Use a plant cover during extreme weather to prevent damage to limbs and foliage.
Leaf spotcan occur if the plant is overwatered.
The affected leaves develop dark spots and eventually fall off.
If the water level is not corrected, the plant may die.
To combat leaf spot, remove the leaves and dispose of them.
If the disease is extensive, prune the plant severely in late spring and remove all of the debris.
There should be new growth within a month.
Powdery mildewmay appear in the spring mainly on new shoots.
The mildew appears because of poor air circulation and high humidity.
Common Problems with Kohuhu
Kohuhu varieties are easy-to-grow and maintain shrubs.
The most common problems are overwatering and planting in an area with too much shade.
Kohuhu can live up to 40 or 50 years.
They are fast-growing and will quickly form a hedge or screen.
Select a sunny spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day.
While kohuhu will tolerate partial shade, it will grow more vigorously in full sun.
The plant should be protected from harsh winds.
While several cultivars of kohuhu are ideal for container gardening, it is not considered a houseplant.
Pittosporum tenuifolium/Landscape Plants.Oregon State University
