About
This erect cultivar with semi-glossy green leaves with undulate margins. Older branches are smooth and dark grey, while younger twigs are very dark purplish-red. Small, scented, near-black flowers may been seen in late spring and summer; the flowers have red filaments but there is no viable pollen produced so this cultivar is female.
About the genus
Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. May need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds. Plant in full sun for the best leaf quality
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, cushion scale and pittosporum sucker
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)