Overview
Pittosporum divaricatum is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum divaricatum 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. It is native to New Zealand North and New Zealand South.
About
Pittosporum divaricatum is an evergreen shrub from New Zealand with a well-branched habit. It flowers in the UK from April to June. It tolerates a wide range of soils and suits sheltered situations. Use it where an evergreen screen or structured shrub is needed.
About the genus
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 divaricatum 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
- Native to
- New Zealand North, New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum divaricatum
- 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 divaricatum?
Pittosporum divaricatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum divaricatum need?
Pittosporum divaricatum 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 divaricatum hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum divaricatum 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 divaricatum?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Pittosporum genus
- PittosporumPeter's sperm
- Pittosporum bicolorTasmanian whitewood
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Napier' (f)
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Variegatum' (v)
- Pittosporum ellipticum
- Pittosporum heterophyllum 'La Blanca' (v)
- Pittosporum patulum
- Pittosporum phillyreoidesdesert willow
