About
Pittosporum hosmeri var. longifolium is a variety of the Hawaiian pittosporum producing the characteristic leathery, narrow, elongated leaves and fragrant flowers of the species. A rewarding ornamental for a frost-free, sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, five-petalled flowers, followed by rounded, woody, splitting fruits revealing seeds in sticky pulp. Popular ornamental plants for mild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toNew Zealand
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 8, pruning group 9 or pruning group 10. Cut back any frost damaged growth in spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings from the current seasons growth. Rooting takes 8-12 weeks at 12-20°C
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)