About
Slow-growing, large, dense, evergreen shrub about 3-4m tall and wide with upright sturdy stems. Leathery leaves to 10cm long are grey-green with irregular golden-yellow margins and large clusters of small, very sweetly-scented creamy-white flowers produced in late spring and early summer turn yellow with age.
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 moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationIn frost free southern counties grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, with shelter from cold drying winds. Suitable for container cultivation in frost free conservatory or greenhouse. See pittosporum cultivation
PruningPruning group 1, may need restrictive pruning for conservatory or greenhouse cultivation
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)