Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irish Luck’ (Black Matipo)

Small upright shrub, glossy leaves edged with fine silver hairs on the leaf margins. The inconspicuous, burgundy coloured flowers are lightly scented. Height 3m and spread 2m over 10 years.

Grows best in well drained but moist soil in sun to partial shade but with shelter from the cold drying winds.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.