Fresh off the international stage, New Zealand’s very own Pittosporum crassifolium ‘Pot Belly’ (PVR) has just scooped up a prestigious Retailers’ Choice Award at AmericanHort Cultivate’26 North America's premier horticulture trade event held recently in Columbus, Ohio.
Presented at the show by USA nursery giant Monrovia, 'Pot Belly' won over the hearts of independent retail judges. Out of hundreds of new plant introductions on the exhibition floor, it was selected as a standout variety destined to bring immediate excitement and commercial success to retail shelves. Judges particularly praised its "politeness" - noting its compact, beautifully rounded ball shape that stands out against the landscape options typically found on the market.
Bred here in New Zealand and managed worldwide under the Kiwiflora International portfolio, 'Pot Belly' is a dwarf form of our native Karo (Pittosporum crassifolium). It was developed by Peter Stott (with his wife Joan), co-founder of AWA Nursery to provide a tough, reliable, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional boxwoods (Buxus), forming a natural, tidy globe with minimal trimming required. Its striking visual contrast - featuring thick, glossy green leaves with silvery-white felted undersides - is complemented by small, sweetly scented, dark red flowers through spring and summer.
"We are absolutely thrilled by this win," says Malcolm Woolmore, Kiwiflora International Director. "We always knew 'Pot Belly' was a special plant with its combination of effortless, architecturally clean structure with absolute resilience. Seeing American retailers recognize those same qualities on one of the world's biggest stages is a massive win not just for us, but for Kiwi horticulturists in general."
Built for Modern Landscapes 'Pot Belly' is uniquely positioned to handle modern landscaping demands both in New Zealand and abroad. Reaching a compact mature size of approximately 1.2m x 1.2m, it is an exceptionally versatile performer. It is extremely wind-hardy, possesses salt-air tolerance for coastal gardens, and thrives in anything from full sun to part shade with very low water requirements once established.
Whether used as a rhythmically spaced modern border, a low structural hedge, or a premium patio container specimen, this award-winning native is proving that tough-as-nails performance doesn't mean sacrificing elegant, and effortless form.
About Kiwiflora International
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Kiwiflora International specialises in bringing innovative, world-class plant genetics to commercial growers from its own specialised breeding programme or via the innovation creation of other talented New Zealand horticulturists. As a trusted plant variety management company, Kiwiflora partner with a global network to protect, market, and license unique botanical inventions that offer retailers a genuine competitive advantage. By bridging the gap between passionate plant breeders and international markets, Kiwiflora maximises global recognition and success for the next generation of resilient, high-performing plants.
https://kiwiflora.co.nz/
