Variegatum Lemonwood

Variegatum Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides 'Variegatum') is a fast growing New Zealand tree that works as a feature tree or, with regular clipping, a tall privacy hedge. Left alone it reaches 6m to 8m high and 3m to 4m wide, with long, wavy-edged leaves striped white along the margins on almost black stems. Crush a leaf and it smells somewhere between lemon and pine.

Why you'll love it

• Scented, variegated foliage. White striping lights up each leaf edge, and crushed leaves release a lemon and pine oil.
• Honey scented flowers. Cream-yellow clusters open at the stem ends in summer, with a fragrance close to lemon myrtle.
• Tree or hedge. Grow it as a single small tree, or plant it in a row and clip it into a tall privacy screen.
• A tidy habit. It drops very little leaf, so paths and gutters stay cleaner.
• Forgives a hard prune. If it gets away from you, it regrows after a hard cut.

Where it works best

Feature tree. Give it 3m to 4m of space in a sunny, sheltered position, where the white-edged foliage shows up against a dark fence or planting.

Tall privacy hedge. Plant 1.2m apart in a single row and clip regularly to hold it at 3m to 4m. Without the clipping it grows into a loose tree.

Street and small garden planting. At 3m to 4m wide it suits suburban blocks and street planting, where regular shaping keeps it compact.

Growing Variegatum Lemonwood in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, in a position sheltered from stiff breezes. It tolerates overnight frost but needs protection from hard frost, so mulch well over winter where frosts are common. It grows on both main islands of New Zealand and should adapt to much of Australia, with a little extra water in hot summers.

Soil. Well drained soil of almost any kind. Avoid heavy clay, which holds too much water.

Water and feed. Water frequently until established, and through dry spells afterwards, because it does not like drying out. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring and again in autumn.

Pruning. Prune regularly to keep the shape and a compact habit. It regrows after a hard cut if you need one.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Variegatum Lemonwood as tube stock: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted out, and the economical way to start a long hedge row. Plants travel upright. Plant them soon after they arrive, mulch well and water them in.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full pittosporum range
• Hedging and screening plants
• Pittosporum care guide for hedges and screens
• Feature trees for gardens

Common questions

How fast does it grow?

It is fast growing, especially with regular water. Pruning often keeps the growth compact rather than leggy.

Can I clip it as a hedge?

Yes. Plant 1.2m apart and clip regularly to keep it dense. Left unclipped it becomes a small tree.

Does it have a scent?

Yes, twice over. The leaves smell of lemon and pine when crushed, and the cream-yellow summer flowers are honey scented.