Overview
Pittosporum is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
About
Pittosporum is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. Plants in the genus Pittosporum are shrubs or trees with leaves arranged alternately along the stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pittosporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Pittosporum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Cushion scale, Pittosporum sucker
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum?
Pittosporum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum need?
Pittosporum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Pittosporum hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Pittosporum?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Pittosporum genus
- Pittosporum bicolorTasmanian whitewood
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Napier' (f)
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Variegatum' (v)
- Pittosporum divaricatum
- Pittosporum ellipticum
- Pittosporum heterophyllum 'La Blanca' (v)
- Pittosporum patulum
- Pittosporum phillyreoidesdesert willow
