About
Pittosporum patulum is a large, bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree producing the characteristic leathery foliage and small, fragrant flowers of the genus. A rewarding ornamental for a 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
Native toChina (Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou)
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationIn areas prone to frosts, grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost and water moderately when in growth, sparingly in winter. Can be grown outdoors in most fertile soils with protection from cold, drying winds
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 and a leaf spot