About
A large, strong-growing, bushy, evergreen shrub, with dark brown to black stems, and narrow, pointed, light green leaves with a silvery-white margin. Small, dark red-brown, male flowers appear in late spring or early summer.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun. Will grow in partial shade, but the leaves will be most colourful and wood will ripen better in an open, sunny position. Grow in the open in milder areas and in coastal gardens with shelter from the worst cold, drying winds. In colder gardens grow in a sheltered position such as a south- or west-facing wall, and protect roots in winter with a deep dry mulch
PruningPruning group 1; if grown as a hedge, trim in spring and midsummer
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe basal cuttings in summer, by basal hardwood cuttings in late autumn, or by layering or air layering in spring
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)