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 4.0Pittosporum 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

Browse all Pittosporum