Silver Sheen Kohuhu Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen' (m)
ABOUT
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen', commonly known as Silver Sheen Kohuhu, is a distinctive ornamental plant that features small, silvery-green leaves. These leaves are round-to-oval shaped with a very thin texture, giving them a light and airy appearance. The foliage bears a shimmering quality, as the name suggests, which comes from the tiny, silvery-white reflections on the leaf surface that catch the light, creating a beautiful visual effect. The overall foliage density is quite high, lending the plant a full and lush look. The stems of Silver Sheen Kohuhu are thin and dark, offering a striking contrast to the light-colored leaves. As the branches sway in the wind, the silvery shimmer becomes more pronounced, adding to the plant's visual interest. This unique coloration and texture make the Silver Sheen Kohuhu a popular choice for adding sophistication and elegance to garden spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pittosporaceae
Synonyms
Kohuhu, Silver Sheen Pittosporum, Tawhiwhi
Common names
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen'
ToxicityTo humans
Kohuhu is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. There is limited information on severe cases of human poisoning from ingesting parts of the plant, but it is recommended to keep it out of reach of children, as with many ornamental plants. If ingested, the berries, leaves, or other parts of the kohuhu may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort or symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If symptoms occur, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Kohuhu is also considered to have a low level of toxicity to pets, such as dogs and cats. While it is not commonly reported to cause severe poisoning, the ingestion of leaves or berries can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in animals. Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea might occur if a pet consumes significant quantities of the plant. In case of suspected ingestion and symptoms, it is prudent to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Purple
Height
20 feet (6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Appeal: The 'Silver Sheen' Kohuhu provides a striking visual with its silver-green foliage and shimmering effect in the sunlight.
- Privacy Screen: Its dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens.
- Windbreak: The robust nature of the Kohuhu can help protect gardens from strong winds when used as a shelterbelt.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance options.
- Versatility: It can be grown in a variety of soil types and is quite adaptable to different environments.
- Drought Tolerance: The Kohuhu is relatively drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in regions with water restrictions or low rainfall.
- Wildlife Attraction: The small, dark purple flowers can attract beneficial insects to 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- Screen or Hedge: 'Silver Sheen' Kohuhu's dense growth habit makes it excellent for creating a privacy screen or hedge in landscape designs.
- Topiary: Due to its small leaves and easy-to-trim nature, Kohuhu can be shaped into topiary forms for decorative garden features.
- Windbreak: This plant is often used in coastal areas as a windbreak to protect more sensitive plants and maintain soil stability.
- Noise reduction: When planted in mass, Kohuhu can help to absorb and reduce noise levels in urban or suburban settings.
- Erosion control: The root system of Kohuhu helps stabilize slopes and banks, preventing soil erosion.
- Urban gardens: Its adaptability to a range of conditions makes it ideal for urban gardens with limited space and challenging growing conditions.
- Container Planting: Kohuhu can be grown in large containers where ground space is limited, such as patios or balconies.
- Focal Point: With its shimmering foliage, Kohuhu can serve as an attractive focal point in a garden when planted solitarily.
- Theme Gardens: Due to its New Zealand origin, it's used in thematic gardens to represent the flora of New Zealand.
- Wildlife Habitat: While not its primary use, Kohuhu can provide shelter for birds and beneficial insects within its dense branches.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiKohuhu is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityKohuhu is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace and Tranquility: 'Silver Sheen' Pittosporum is known for its soothing, silvery-green foliage which can create a calming environment, hence it's often associated with bringing peace to a space.
- Protection: This plant has dense foliage that can act as a natural barrier, symbolizing safety and protection.
- Privacy: Owing to its fast-growing and thick habit, 'Silver Sheen' Pittosporum is commonly used for hedging, symbolizing the desire for seclusion or privacy.
- Resilience: Pittosporum 'Silver Sheen' can adapt to different soil types and conditions, symbolizing adaptability and resilience in adversity.
- Prosperity: Its lush and shiny foliage can be symbolic of growth and prosperity.
- Eternal Life: In some cultures, evergreen plants like 'Silver Sheen' symbolize immortality and eternal life due to their year-round foliage.
WaterThe Kohuhu prefers consistent moisture but dislikes waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential. During the growing season, from spring through summer, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may be about once a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for a medium-sized shrub to ensure the root zone is properly hydrated. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down, watering only when the top few inches of soil dry out, which could mean watering every two to three weeks. It's vital not to let the shrub dry out completely, even in winter.
LightThe Kohuhu thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, though it can tolerate some shade especially in the hotter parts of the day. However, too much shade can lead to leggy growth and a less dense foliage appearance.
TemperatureThe Kohuhu can withstand a range of temperatures and is reasonably hardy. It prefers conditions between 50°F and 85°F but can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, though it may sustain some damage at this lower range. It performs best in temperatures typically found in hardiness zones 8 to 10.
PruningPruning the Kohuhu helps maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It can be pruned annually or as needed to control size; however, avoid heavy pruning as this can stress the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKohuhu prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to encourage healthy growth, along with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal conditions.
RepottingKohuhu doesn't need frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingKohuhu thrives in moderate humidity conditions, but is quite adaptable and doesn't require any special humidity adjustments for healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny to partly shaded spot.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleKohuhu 'Silver Sheen' begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating when conditions of warmth and moisture are favorable. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first set of true leaves, a sign that the plant is starting to photosynthesize and grow. As it progresses into the juvenile stage, Kohuhu 'Silver Sheen' develops its distinctive silvery-green, small, and rounded leaves on black stems, and forms a more established root system. It then enters the mature stage, characterized by rapid growth and the beginning of reproduction, where it can reach up to 10 meters tall and flourish in a variety of conditions, though it prefers well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. During its mature stage, it may produce small, inconspicuous, purple flowers, followed by seed capsules that release seeds to begin the cycle anew. Throughout its life, Kohuhu 'Silver Sheen' will undergo periods of vegetative growth and dormancy, influenced by seasonal changes and climatic conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Silver Sheen', commonly known as Silver Sheen Kohuhu, is commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings for propagation is during the late summer to early fall. To propagate using semi-hardwood cuttings, select healthy, disease-free stems from the current season’s growth that have started to harden but are not completely woody. Cut a length of stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a warm, humid environment until the cutting is well-rooted, which can take several weeks to a few months.
