How to Grow Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King
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Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golden King'
shrubA stunning evergreen shrub from New Zealand prized for its striking golden-yellow foliage with green margins and delicate texture. This compact variety grows 6-10 feet tall and produces fragrant, dark purple flowers in spring. It's an excellent choice for ornamental landscaping, hedging, and adds year-round visual interest to gardens.
When should you plant Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 9b-11; can tolerate brief cold snaps in zone 9a
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Get my Pittosporum Kohuhu Golden King timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung transplant with compact growth and golden foliage beginning to develop color
Water regularly, mulch around base to retain moisture, protect from harsh winds and intense afternoon sun in hot climates
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsShrub develops branching structure with increasingly dense golden-green foliage
Light pruning to encourage bushiness, maintain consistent watering, apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
Flowering
4-8 weeks in springSmall dark purple to maroon fragrant flowers appear along stems, typically in spring and early summer
Continue regular watering and feeding, flowers attract pollinators, deadheading not necessary
Seed Development
Summer through fallSmall ornamental seed pods form after flowers fade, ripening to brown capsules
Allow to mature naturally if desired, or remove for tidier appearance; self-seeds readily in favorable conditions
Mature
Ongoing (5+ years)Fully established shrub with dense golden foliage, regular flowering, and established root system
Prune lightly for shape maintenance, fertilize 2-3 times yearly, drought-tolerant but responds well to regular watering
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil in early morning; prune heavily infested branches
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply miticide if severe; ensure adequate watering
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Yellow sticky traps, neem oil spray, insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Remove with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab, spray with horticultural oil or neem oil
Uses
Specimen Plant & Hedging
OrnamentalGolden King's striking foliage and compact growth make it ideal as a standalone specimen or for creating elegant, colorful hedges and screens. Its fine texture provides excellent contrast in mixed borders. [source]
Cut Foliage & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe attractive golden-green foliage is highly valued by florists and home decorators for cutting. Stems last 2-3 weeks in water and add sophistication to fresh and dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support & Bird Habitat
WildlifeThe fragrant spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the dense foliage provides shelter for birds and beneficial insects. Seed pods offer food for wildlife. [source]
Windbreak & Privacy Screen
OrnamentalIts dense growth habit and moderate size make it excellent for creating natural windbreaks and privacy screens in coastal and exposed gardens. Salt-tolerant foliage handles tough conditions well. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested. Cut foliage may be harvested for ornamental arrangements year-round; stems last well in water. Trim in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus Pittosporum comes from Greek words meaning 'pitch' and 'seed,' referring to the sticky coating on the seeds that aids in bird dispersal and natural propagation.
- 🌱 Kohuhu is the Māori name for Pittosporum tenuifolium, native to New Zealand where it has been valued for centuries for its aromatic qualities and attractive foliage.
- 🌱 Golden King's fragrant flowers emit a notable sweet scent particularly in evening hours, attracting nocturnal pollinators and making it a sensory delight in evening garden strolls.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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