About
Compact, rounded evergreen shrub about 1-1.2m in height and spread, with dark young stems and small, dark green, wavy-margined, glossy, leathery 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, Partial shade
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
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade, with shelter from cold drying winds. Ideal for container cultivation, topiary and low hedging. See pittosporum cultivation
PruningPruning group 1; prune hedges in spring or midsummer
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)