Overview
Pittosporum undulatum is a bushy shrub in the genus Pittosporum, part of the Pittosporaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Pittosporum undulatum 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 undulatum is a fast-growing tree in the family Pittosporaceae. It is sometimes also known as sweet pittosporum, native daphne, Australian cheesewood, Victorian box or mock orange. P. undulatum has become invasive in parts of Australia where it is not indigenous. It is also highly invasive in South Africa, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Azores and southern Brazil. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, hedging and screens and wall side borders. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Pittosporum undulatum
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 undulatum 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 undulatum
- 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 undulatum?
Pittosporum undulatum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pittosporum undulatum need?
Pittosporum undulatum 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 undulatum hardy in the UK?
Pittosporum undulatum 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 undulatum?
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
