Overview
Pittosporum tobira is a bushy houseplants in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Pittosporum tobira grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include specimen plants, hedging and flower arranging.
About
Pittosporum tobira is a species of sweet-smelling flowering plant in the pittosporum family Pittosporaceae known by several common names, including Australian laurel, Japanese pittosporum, mock orange and Japanese cheesewood. It is native to Japan (south of Kanto), China, Taiwan, and Korea, but it is used throughout the world as an ornamental plant in landscaping and as cut foliage. It grows to around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum tobira
About the genus
Pittosporum is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Pittosporaceae. Plants in the genus Pittosporum are shrubs or trees with leaves arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers are arranged singly or in cymes, with white to yellow petals fused at the base forming a short tube, with stamens that are free from each other.
Wikipedia contributors, "Pittosporum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pittosporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Pittosporum tobira size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Houseplants, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plants, hedging, flower arranging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tobira
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Red spider mite, Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Leaf spot, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tobira?
Pittosporum tobira prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum tobira need?
Pittosporum tobira is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Pittosporum tobira grow?
Pittosporum tobira reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Pittosporum tobira hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum tobira 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 tobira?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Pittosporum genus
Browse all Pittosporum →
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