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Products > Pittosporum crassifolium 'Compactum'
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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Pittosporaceae (Pittosporums) |
| Origin: New Zealand (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Maroon |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [Pittosporum crassifolium 'Nana'] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Pittosporum crassifolium 'Compactum' (Dwarf Karo) - An dense evergreen shrub that grows typically to 2 to 3+ feet tall by 4 to 6 feet wide with light olive green rounded leaves that are covered with grayish hairs on the lower surface. The new flushes of leaves are a brighter yellow green and since the foliage is held upright near the tips, this plant appears to be quite gray at first glance. The small spring-blooming maroon flowers are lightly fragrant. This plant grows well in full sun to part shade along the coast but should be given some shade in inland gardens and while tolerating only infrequent irrigation, it looks best with occasional to regular watering. Plant in a well-drained soil or with the crown slightly above grade and support young plants to prevent stem breakage at the crown. A great seaside plant that tolerates beachside conditions. The origin of this great little cultivar is not known by us but we have grown this plant since 1982 under the name 'Compactum' and this is the name that was listed as valid in Dr. Elizabeth McClintock's (University of California, 1979) but note that it is also sometimes listed as Pittosporum crassifolium 'Nana'. The species is found growing naturally around forest margins and along streamsides in coastal localities of the Kermadec Islands and northern areas of the North Island of New Zealand. The specific epithet is from the Latin words 'crass' meaning "thick" and 'folia' meaning "leaves" in reference to the leaves of this species, which are thicker than most Pittosporum. For more about the species see our listing for Pittosporum crassifolium.
The information about Pittosporum crassifolium 'Compactum' displayed on this page is based on research conducted in our library and from reliable online resources. We also relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we visit, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others, and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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