How to Grow Pittosporum Kohuhu Marjorie Channon
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Pittosporum Kohuhu Marjorie Channon
Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Marjorie Channon'
shrubMarjorie Channon is a variegated cultivar of New Zealand's native kohuhu tree, known for its attractive cream and green foliage with a compact, upright growth habit. This evergreen shrub features small, glossy leaves with white or cream margins and black stems, creating a striking ornamental appearance. It's prized for landscaping, hedging, and indoor floristry as a cut foliage plant.
When should you plant Pittosporum Kohuhu Marjorie Channon in your zone?
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Example Pittosporum Kohuhu Marjorie Channon timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pittosporum Kohuhu Marjorie Channon
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 Marjorie Channon
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11, with best performance in zones 9-10
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Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung transplant with developing root system and initial foliage growth
Keep soil consistently moist, avoid transplant shock by providing partial shade initially, prune lightly to encourage branching
Vegetative Growth
6-18 monthsRapid stem and foliage development with increasing branching; variegation becomes more prominent
Maintain regular watering during growing season, provide balanced fertilizer monthly, prune to shape and encourage bushiness
Maturation
1-3 yearsShrub reaches intended size and form; dense foliage with full variegation display
Reduce fertilizer frequency, prune to maintain shape, drought-tolerant but benefits from regular summer watering
Flowering & Fruiting
Spring (flowers), summer (seeds)Small, fragrant cream and burgundy flowers appear in spring, followed by purple-brown seed capsules
Flowers are minor ornamental feature; deadheading not necessary but can redirect energy to foliage
Maintenance
OngoingEstablished mature shrub requiring minimal care; excellent for cutting foliage
Prune lightly as needed, harvest stems for floral arrangements, monitor for pests in warm climates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or neem oil; prune heavily infested branches; maintain plant vigor
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Increase humidity, spray with water to dislodge, use miticide if severe; ensure adequate irrigation
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil spray; remove heavily infested foliage
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Control underlying pests, wipe foliage with damp cloth, improve air circulation
Uses
Floral Design & Cut Foliage
HouseholdPittosporum is highly valued by florists for its elegant variegated foliage, long vase life, and ability to add texture and contrast to arrangements. The cream and green leaves provide sophisticated backings and fillers in bouquets. [source]
Ornamental Edging & Culinary Garnish
CulinaryWhile not commonly eaten, the attractive foliage can be used as an edible garnish for plated dishes in high-end cuisine and provides visual appeal to table settings. [source]
Ornamental Hedging & Privacy Screening
HouseholdThe compact, upright growth habit and attractive foliage make it ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and specimen planting in gardens and landscapes. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Nectar Source
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the seed capsules provide food for birds, supporting local wildlife and ecosystem health. [source]
Traditional New Zealand Herbal Uses
MedicinalPittosporum tenuifolium has a history of use in traditional Māori medicine for various ailments, though scientific validation of medicinal properties remains limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest stems for floral arrangements year-round, cutting just above leaf nodes to encourage branching. Best color and vigor when cut in morning. Stems last 2-3 weeks in water. Light pruning during growing season promotes bushier form.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pittosporum tenuifolium is native to New Zealand where it's called 'kohuhu' in the Māori language, and its name comes from Greek 'pittas' (pitch) and 'spora' (seed), referring to the pitch-like resin on seeds.
- 🌱 Marjorie Channon is named after a renowned New Zealand horticulturist and is one of the most popular variegated cultivars in the floristry industry, particularly in Australasia and Europe.
- 🌱 The plant's black stems are a distinctive feature that contrasts beautifully with its variegated cream and green foliage, making it highly photogenic and sought after by garden designers.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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