Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Gold Star’

This New Zealand native brings year-round colour to the garden with its distinctive golden-yellow variegated leaves. The foliage is fine and feathery, creating an airy, elegant texture that stands out against darker plantings. Small, dark purple flowers appear in late spring and early summer, releasing a sweet honey-like fragrance that’s particularly noticeable on warm evenings.

‘Gold Star’ grows as a compact, upright shrub, typically reaching 2 to 3 metres in height over time. It prefers well-drained soil and performs best in full sun to partial shade, though brighter light intensifies the golden variegation. Shelter from cold, drying winds is beneficial, especially in northern regions.

This cultivar is relatively hardy for a pittosporum and suits mixed borders, hedging schemes, and container planting. It responds well to light pruning to maintain shape and density. In colder areas, grow in a pot and move under cover during the hardest frosts.