Overview
Pittosporum phillyreoides is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum phillyreoides 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.
About
Pittosporum phillyreoides, commonly known as desert willow or narrow-leaved pittosporum, is a bushy evergreen shrub within the Pittosporum genus. This genus is noted for its simple, leathery foliage and small, often aromatic flowers that develop into woody fruits containing sticky-coated seeds. Suitable for full sun or partial shade, it thrives in well-drained soils of various types and pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for sheltered positions in city gardens, coastal areas, and informal borders, providing interest particularly in winter.
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 phillyreoides 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum phillyreoides
- 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 phillyreoides?
Pittosporum phillyreoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum phillyreoides need?
Pittosporum phillyreoides 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 phillyreoides hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum phillyreoides 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 phillyreoides?
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 divaricatum
- Pittosporum ellipticum
- Pittosporum heterophyllum 'La Blanca' (v)
- Pittosporum patulum
