About

Dense, evergreen shrub about 6-8m in height and 5m wide , with dark, young stems and small, silvery-green, wavy-margined, glossy leaves. Small, honey-scented, bell-shaped dark purple flowers are produced in clusters, from early summer.

About the genus

Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade, with shelter from cold drying winds. See pittosporum cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe 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)