Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic' (v)
ABOUT
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic' is a strikingly ornamental plant, adored for its decorative foliage and overall elegant appearance. Characterized by its small, rounded leaves, it stands out due to the unique variegation present on them. The leaves are edged with an enchanting creamy-white border, while the centers exhibit a green to grayish-green hue, giving the plant its 'Silver Magic' moniker. The variegation can create an almost shimmering effect in sunlight, lending a luminous quality to the plant’s presentation. This plant may produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are valued more for their scent than visual appeal. The blooms can be described as pale, almost hidden within the dense foliage, emitting a sweet fragrance that can be appreciated during their bloom time. Additionally, the plant presents a naturally dense, bushy habit, making it a favorite choice for adding texture and variegated color to plantings. With its attractive form and striking leaf variegation, Pittosporum 'Silver Magic' brings a touch of elegance to any garden setting, captivating observers with its understated yet sophisticated visual appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pittosporaceae
Synonyms
Kohuhu, Tawhiwhi, Variegated Pittosporum
Common names
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Pittosporum, commonly known as Kohuhu or New Zealand Pittosporum, can be toxic if ingested by humans. While it is not considered highly poisonous, the plant contains saponins, which can cause adverse effects if consumed. Symptoms of pittosporum poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting large quantities of the plant, particularly the seeds, could potentially lead to more severe symptoms. Always exercise caution and keep parts of the plant out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
To pets
Kohuhu can be toxic to pets if ingested. This toxicity is due to the presence of saponins, which are found throughout the plant, and can cause potentially harmful effects in animals. Symptoms of toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases or if large amounts of the plant are consumed, more significant effects such as weakness or changes in heart rate could occur. It is important to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting any part of the plant to avoid the risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Purple
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Silver Sheen Kohuhu offers unique silver-green foliage and small, dark purple flowers, adding aesthetic value to any garden.
- Privacy Screening: Its dense growth habit makes it an effective natural screen for privacy in residential and commercial landscapes.
- Windbreak: It serves as a windbreak, providing protection for gardens and outdoor living areas.
- Low Maintenance: Silver Sheen Kohuhu is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and areas with water restrictions.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects.
- Adaptability: It adapts well to a range of soil types and can thrive in coastal conditions and urban environments.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage, Silver Sheen Kohuhu provides year-round color and texture in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Fine Art - Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic' can be used as a subject for photographers and artists due to its distinct foliage and form, making it an interesting object for still life compositions or botanical illustrations.
- Privacy Screens - With its dense growth habit, Silver Magic can be planted in a row to create a natural privacy screen for gardens or outdoor living spaces.
- Windbreaks - Its robust nature makes it suitable for use as a windbreak in coastal or exposed sites, providing protection for more sensitive plants.
- Noise Reduction - When used in mass plantings, Silver Magic can help absorb sound, reducing noise pollution in urban gardens and landscapes.
- Aromatherapy - Some people use clippings of Pittosporum, including Silver Magic, as a fresh, natural scent in indoor arrangements, contributing to a calming atmosphere.
- Insect Habitat - Its dense foliage provides shelter for beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which in turn help control pest populations in gardens.
- Educational Tool - Schools and educational programs may use Silver Magic to teach students about plant growth, horticultural practices, and the role of evergreens in ecosystems.
- Seasonal Decorations - Branches of Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic' might be utilized in seasonal wreaths and garlands, especially due to their variegated leaves that add visual interest.
- Film and Theater - Used as part of set designs in films and stage productions to create realistic outdoor scenes or to convey particular atmospheres and moods.
- Crafts - The wood of Silver Magic can be used for small craft projects, such as making picture frames or decorative items, due to its texture and color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kohuhu is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kohuhu is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Pittosporum, also known as Tawhiwhi, has thick foliage, which is often interpreted as a symbol of shelter and protection.
- Peace: With its soft, silvery leaves, 'Silver Magic' evokes a sense of calm and tranquility, symbolizing peace.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing adaptability and toughness.
- New Beginnings: The fresh, light-colored foliage of 'Silver Magic' can represent new beginnings and a fresh start.
WaterKohuhu should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil surface to become dry between waterings. Typically, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water every week is sufficient but may need to be adjusted based on climate and soil drainage. During hot, dry periods, water requirements may increase; in cooler or rainy periods, reduce the frequency. Ensure you're not overwatering to prevent root rot. Deep, infrequent watering helps encourage a strong root system.
LightKohuhu thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden spots. The ideal location receives morning sunlight and is shaded from the intense afternoon sun. Still, it can manage full day exposure in cooler climates.
TemperatureKohuhu is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, surviving minimums around 20°F. Ideally, it flourishes in temperate conditions, with an optimal growth temperature range from 60°F to 75°F. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected if temperatures dip below 20°F.
PruningPrune Kohuhu to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Trimming once a year is generally enough, but it can be pruned lightly again in summer if necessary. Remove any dead or damaged wood whenever you notice it to keep the plant healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKohuhu 'Silver Magic' prefers a soil mix with good drainage, comprised of loam, peat, and sand at equal ratios. Ideally, the pH should range between 5.5 and 6.5 to thrive.
RepottingKohuhu 'Silver Magic' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure fresh soil and room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingKohuhu 'Silver Magic' does best in moderate to high humidity levels, typically around 40-50% relative humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and avoid dry air.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, partial sun, shelter from extreme elements.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cyclePittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic', commonly known as Kohuhu or Silver Magic, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions, often in spring. Once germinated, it develops a root system and shoots that grow into a young seedling, expanding its foliage as it matures. During its growth, it undergoes a vegetative stage where it develops its characteristic variegated leaves that are green with a cream edge and woody stems. As an adult plant, it blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, fragrant, purple-black flowers. Following pollination, these flowers give way to seed capsules that eventually open to release seeds for reproduction. The plant reaches maturity within a few years and can live for many years if conditions are favorable, completing its life cycle upon death which may occur due to natural senescence or environmental factors.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Magic', commonly known as Kohuhu or Tawhiwhi 'Silver Magic', is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer to early fall when the plant’s growth begins to slow and the wood is partially mature. To propagate, cut a section of stem about 4 to 6 inches long, containing several leaf nodes, taking care to make a clean cut just below a node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that a couple of nodes are buried where roots can form. The cuttings need to be kept moist and in a warm environment, but not in direct sunlight, while they develop roots, which typically takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before being planted in their permanent positions.
