Golf Ball Kohuhu

Golf Ball Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball') does what the name promises: it forms a tight green sphere about 1m across without a single cut. Small wavy edged leaves sit densely on dark stems, giving a formal ball shape with none of the clipping a buxus demands. For low hedges and structure in a small garden, it is hard to beat.

Why you'll love it

• The shape is free. It grows naturally round at roughly 1m by 1m, giving formal structure without a shearing routine.
• Fine texture that reads clean. Small glossy leaves on dark stems give a crisper look than a coarse leafed hedge plant.
• Tough where box struggles. Frost hardy, wind tolerant, salt tolerant and drought tolerant once established.
• It takes shaping if you want it. Left alone it is a sphere; trimmed, it holds a cube or a low clipped hedge.

Where it works best

Low hedges and edging. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a continuous low hedge at about 80cm. Stretch to 80cm apart if you want each ball to stay visually separate along a path.

Topiary and formal structure. Its density makes it the easiest plant here for balls, cubes and low parterre shapes.

Pots and mass planting. A single ball in a 400mm pot beside a doorway is a classic use. In beds, mass plant 60cm apart for a repeating green rhythm under taller shrubs.

Growing Golf Ball Kohuhu in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade both work, though sun keeps it tightest. It suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens and is frost hardy once established. Being a New Zealand plant it dislikes prolonged wet heat, so tropical gardens do not suit.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential. Pittosporums will not take wet feet, and root rot in heavy clay is the main reason they fail. On clay, mound the bed and add coarse compost, then mulch 75mm deep.

Water and feed. Water deeply twice a week through the first summer, then only in dry spells. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring keeps the foliage dense. Overwatering does more harm than underwatering.

Pruning. None is needed for the natural ball. If shaping, trim lightly in spring and again in late summer, taking only soft growth. Avoid cutting into bare inner wood.

What to expect when it arrives

Three sizes are grown: 140mm in packs of ten, 200mm in packs of six and 250mm in packs of three. All arrive as young rounded plants rather than single stems, so the shape is already recognisable. The 140mm packs suit a long edge, while the 250mm plants give a visible low hedge in the first year.

Plants are sold only in packs, since hedges and edges always look better planted in numbers rather than as a lone specimen. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a quiet month, then steady growth of 15cm to 20cm a year, reaching full size in three to four seasons. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to create a hedge and keep it looking sharp
• Browse plants for topiary and shaping
• Compare our best hedging plants
• Read about alternatives to the usual hedging choices

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a low hedge?

Sixty centimetres apart gives a continuous hedge at around 80cm tall. For a row of distinct balls with gaps between them, stretch the spacing to 80cm.

Do I need to clip it to keep the ball shape?

No. The dense rounded habit is natural, and most gardeners never cut it. Trim only if you want a different shape or a flat sided hedge.

Is it a good substitute for English box?

In many gardens, yes. It gives similar fine texture and formality with better drought and salt tolerance, and it is not affected by box blight. It does need sharper drainage.

Why did mine die suddenly in winter?

Wet soil is the usual answer. Pittosporum roots rot in saturated ground, and a plant can look healthy until it collapses. Raise the bed on clay.