Overview

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' is a bushy, compact, rounded shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen, glossy, wavy-edged leaves foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include hedges, borders and foundation plantings. It is native to Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.

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, China, Taiwan, and Korea, but it is used throughout the world as an ornamental plant in landscaping and as cut foliage.

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
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrub
Habit
Bushy, Compact, Rounded
Foliage
Evergreen, Glossy, Wavy-edged leaves
Height
6.0 m
Suggested uses
Hedges, Borders, Foundation plantings
Native to
Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea
Fragrance
Sweet-smelling flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Pittosporum tobira 'Nana'

Cultivation
Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, drought tolerant once established
Pruning
Light pruning to maintain shape, best done after flowering
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Pittosporum tobira 'Nana'?

Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates coastal conditions, drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum tobira 'Nana'?

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' need?

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Pittosporum tobira 'Nana'?

Light pruning to maintain shape, best done after flowering.

How big does Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' grow?

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' reaches a height of 6.0 m.

Is Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' hardy in the UK?

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana' 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 'Nana'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Pittosporum genus

Browse all Pittosporum →