Overview
Pittosporum truncatum is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum truncatum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and wall side borders.
About
Pittosporum truncatum is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Pittosporum genus, known for its simple, leathery foliage and small aromatic flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered locations with well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for various garden settings such as city and courtyard gardens, coastal areas, cottage and informal gardens, hedging, screens, and wall-side borders. It can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer and offers winter interest.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pittosporum
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Pittosporum truncatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pittosporum truncatum
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Glasshouse red spider mite, Aphids, Cushion scale, Pittosporum sucker
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Leaf spot, Honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Pittosporum truncatum?
Pittosporum truncatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum truncatum need?
Pittosporum truncatum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Pittosporum truncatum hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum truncatum 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 truncatum?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Pittosporum genus
- PittosporumPeter's sperm
- Pittosporum bicolorTasmanian whitewood
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Napier' (f)
- Pittosporum crassifolium 'Variegatum' (v)
- Pittosporum divaricatum
- Pittosporum ellipticum
- Pittosporum heterophyllum 'La Blanca' (v)
- Pittosporum patulum
