How to Grow Tutu

Tutu

Coriaria arborea

shrub

Tutu is a New Zealand native shrub known for its distinctive black berries and feathery compound leaves. It grows as a deciduous to semi-evergreen plant, reaching 3-6 meters in height. The plant produces small greenish flowers that develop into glossy black fruits attractive to birds.

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Example Tutu timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Tutu
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Tutu
Around Aug 15

≈ 120 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tutu dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

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Water: Moderate watering; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought tolerant once established. Water deeply during dry periods.

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Spacing: 36 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-180 days from transplant to first fruiting

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Planting depth: 0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 5.5-7.0

Amendments:

Organic compost Peat moss Coarse sand for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11, preferring mild to warm temperate climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing feathery and light green.

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright indirect light. Keep soil temperature 60-70°F.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 months

Plant develops multiple stems with characteristic feathery, pinnate foliage. Leaves are bright green and finely divided.

Provide full sun to partial shade. Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Mulch base to retain moisture.

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in late spring to early summer along the stems.

Reduce nitrogen fertilization to encourage flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Support branches if heavily laden.

Fruiting

8-12 weeks

Flowers develop into clusters of glossy black berries that mature in late summer to autumn.

Do not harvest fruit—all parts are toxic. Protect from excessive heat. Monitor for bird damage if concerned about seed dispersal.

Dormancy/Mature

3-4 months

Plant may lose some or all foliage depending on temperature and variety. Enters semi-dormant state in winter.

Reduce watering in cooler months. Prune dead wood. Protect from hard frosts below 25°F. Provide minimal feeding.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Myrtle Leptospermum Coprosma Hebe New Zealand flax

Avoid planting near:

Livestock grazing areas Kitchen gardens with young children access Food gardens (due to toxicity)

Common Pests

Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early spring. Prune heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Remove affected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation through pruning. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Avoid overhead watering.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate severely infested plants. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs for small infestations.

Uses

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Bird food and habitat

Wildlife

Tutu produces abundant black berries that are highly attractive to native New Zealand birds, particularly tui and bellbirds. The dense foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting habitat for various bird species. [source]

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Garden specimen plant

Ornamental

With its feathery compound leaves and glossy black fruits, tutu serves as an attractive ornamental shrub for temperate gardens. It provides year-round visual interest with its changing foliage and seasonal berry display. [source]

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Traditional Māori uses (historical only)

Medicinal

Historically, Māori people used tutu in traditional preparations, though modern understanding confirms its high toxicity. This use is documented for cultural/historical interest only and should not be attempted. [source]

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Dried foliage arrangements

Craft

The feathery foliage and berries can be used in dried flower arrangements and floral designs when handled with appropriate safety precautions. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Do NOT harvest any part of tutu for consumption—all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and berries, are highly toxic to humans and most animals. The plant is grown ornamentally for its attractive foliage and berry production for wildlife. Harvest only for ornamental dried arrangements, wearing gloves and avoiding skin contact.

Fun Facts

🌱 Tutu is endemic to New Zealand and is specifically adapted to support native bird populations that have co-evolved with it.
🌱 All parts of the tutu plant contain toxic alkaloid compounds, particularly coriamyrtin, which makes it extremely dangerous if ingested by humans or livestock—historical accounts describe severe poisoning cases.
🌱 The name 'tutu' comes from the Māori language, reflecting the plant's deep cultural significance in New Zealand's indigenous heritage and ecosystems.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade True Leaves

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