About
Pittosporum tobira, Japanese pittosporum, is a dense, broad, slow-growing, medium-sized evergreen shrub with leathery, glossy, obovate leaves and large, terminal umbels of small, sweetly scented flowers opening white and turning yellow in late spring and early summer. A popular and ornamental shrub for a sheltered, sunny garden or large container.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toNew Zealand
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. May need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds. Plant in full sun for the best leaf effect
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, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)