Pittosporum tenuifolium Irish Luck ='PTG18'

Common name: Irish Luck Kohuhu, Irish Luck New Zealand Pittosporum

Description: This handsome evergreen shrub offers exceptional ornamental value with its glossy, deep green foliage arranged in a dense, compact habit. The leaves are small to medium-sized, oval in shape, with subtly wavy margins and a lustrous, almost lacquered appearance that catches the light beautifully. New growth emerges with a bright, fresh green colour before darkening to a rich, deep emerald tone as it matures. Irish Luck ='PTG18' maintains a naturally upright, columnar to pyramidal form without requiring extensive pruning, though it responds well to shaping if desired. In late spring, it produces small, honey-scented dark purple flowers that, while not showy, add subtle interest and a sweet fragrance, particularly noticeable in the evening. This cultivar shows excellent vigour and resilience while maintaining a more controlled growth habit than the species.

Other benefits: excellent hedge or specimen plant, coastal tolerance, pollution tolerance, wind resistance, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: flowers attract bees and pollinators, dense structure provides shelter for birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 1.2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; foliage remains denser in full sun

Soil pH: adaptable to most soil types; tolerates both slightly acidic and alkaline conditions

Moisture: moderate water needs when young; good drought tolerance once established; requires well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: moderately hardy; cold hardy to -8°C; may require shelter in coldest UK regions