New Zealand Pittosporum Plant Care
Melicytus novae-zelandiae (A.Cunn.) P.S.Green
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Melicytus novae-zelandiae, commonly known as coastal mahoe, is a flowering plant in the violet family. It grows along the coast of New Zealand from the Bay of Plenty northwards, especially on offshore islands.
Every 7–14 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for New Zealand Pittosporum?
Plant New Zealand Pittosporum in partial shade to full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the New Zealand Pittosporum Native To?
What Is the New Zealand Pittosporum?
New Zealand Pittosporum (Melicytus novae-zelandiae) belongs to the Violaceae family within the Melicytus genus. New Zealand Pittosporum is native to Australia's Lord Howe Island.
New Zealand Pittosporum displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. New Zealand Pittosporum produces small, fragrant purple flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a New Zealand Pittosporum?
Water a young or newly planted New Zealand Pittosporum every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the New Zealand Pittosporum Need?
New Zealand Pittosporum thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the New Zealand Pittosporum Prefer?
Melicytus novae-zelandiae tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. New Zealand Pittosporum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a New Zealand Pittosporum?
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for New Zealand Pittosporum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a New Zealand Pittosporum?
Feed New Zealand Pittosporum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a New Zealand Pittosporum?
Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
New Zealand Pittosporum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a New Zealand Pittosporum?
New Zealand Pittosporum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a New Zealand Pittosporum?
Prune New Zealand Pittosporum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a New Zealand Pittosporum in Winter?
New Zealand Pittosporum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a New Zealand Pittosporum?
New Zealand Pittosporum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to lancewood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the New Zealand Pittosporum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list New Zealand Pittosporum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the New Zealand Pittosporum?
New Zealand Pittosporum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the New Zealand Pittosporum Need?
New Zealand Pittosporum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. New Zealand Pittosporum is native to Australia's Lord Howe Island. In cooler regions, grow New Zealand Pittosporum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
New Zealand Pittosporum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Melicytus genus — compare its care with other Melicytus species on PlantoScan.
Melicytus is part of the Violaceae plant family — browse all Violaceae genera and species.
New Zealand Pittosporum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Melicytus Species
Other Melicytus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Melicytus novae-zelandiae (A.Cunn.) P.S.Green, family Violaceae (first published in J. Arnold Arbor. 51: 219 (1970)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list New Zealand Pittosporum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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