Pittosporum Tenuifolium Green Elf

Pittosporum tenuifolium Green Elf is a compact, evergreen shrub with refined structure and striking foliage. Well-suited for modern and traditional gardens alike, this low-maintenance plant is particularly popular for hedging and topiary. Pittosporum Green Elf stands out from other cultivars for its neat, upright habit and smaller stature, making it ideal for tight spaces or where a more restrained form is preferred. Its silvery grey-green leaves and dark stems offer subtle year-round interest, while its delicately scented spring flowers are a welcome seasonal bonus.

Green Elf forms a dense, upright shrub with a naturally tidy silhouette, requiring little shaping to maintain its form. Its foliage is made up of small, oval, slightly wavy leaves in an attractive grey-green hue, with a glossy surface that catches the light. These are carried on distinctive dark purplish-black stems, providing an elegant contrast that adds depth and character to borders or containers.

In late spring to early summer, Pittosporum Green Elf produces small, bell-shaped, purple-brown flowers tucked into the foliage. While modest in appearance, they emit a subtle, honeyed fragrance. Later in the season, these are followed by dark grey seed capsules.

Pittosporum tenuifolium is native to New Zealand, where it grows naturally in coastal and lowland forests. Known locally as kōhūhū, it is well adapted to a range of environmental conditions, including wind and salt exposure. The species has been cultivated widely outside its native range for its decorative value and evergreen presence. Pittosporum Green Elf is a cultivated variety selected for its compact form and neat growth, making it especially suitable for modern urban gardens and smaller outside spaces.

Height and Width of Pittosporum tenuifolium Green Elf:
With an eventual height of 1.5 to 2 metres and a spread of 0.8 to 1 metre, Green Elf is a naturally compact shrub. Its compact habit makes it particularly well-suited to small gardens, plant containers, or any type of hedging.

How hardy is Hardiness Pittosporum tenuifolium Green Elf?
Pittosporum Green Elf is reasonably hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -5°C. In milder windy coastal or urban areas, it performs reliably year-round, but some winter protection is advisable in exposed or frost-prone sites.


Uses in Garden and Landscape
Pittosporum Green Elf is widely valued for structure and texture in the garden. It makes an excellent choice for evergreen hedges or as a punctuation plant in mixed borders. Its neat form also lends itself well to clipped shapes or topiary, particularly in courtyard or formal designs. In coastal gardens, it copes well with salt-laden winds, and its year-round foliage offers consistent visual appeal. This is a good choice for a coastal hedging plant. 

Care Tips
Plant Pittosporum tenuifolium Green Elf in full sun to partial shade, in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil. It dislikes waterlogging and may need winter protection in colder areas, especially when young. A mulch in autumn can help insulate roots in colder regions. Minimal pruning is required – simply trim to shape in early spring if desired. For best results, feed annually with a balanced fertiliser in spring.

Compared to larger or more vigorous pittosporum varieties, Green Elf offers a more restrained option, ideal for compact spaces or where a low-maintenance yet stylish evergreen is needed.