Pittosporum: planting, growing and pruning

Description and botany

Genus Pittosporum, in family Pittosporaceae, comprises around 200 species mainly native to New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia, such as Pittosporum tenuifolium. Pittosporum tobira is native to Japan and China.

Pittosporums can reach up to 20 m or more in their native regions. In our latitudes, cultivated varieties rarely exceed 3 to 4 m. There are also dwarf varieties with a compact habit, such as Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, ideal for low hedges. Pittosporum’s naturally compact, rounded habit also makes it easy to train as topiary, a fine alternative to box.

Size and appearance of foliage vary greatly between species and varieties. Some, like Pittosporum tenuifolium, have small, round, leathery leaves no more than 3 to 4 cm long, while others such as Pittosporum heterophyllum bear more elongated leaves that can reach 8 cm in length.

Pittosporum tobira – botanical illustration

Foliage diversity does not stop there: many colour variations exist. Varieties with glossy green foliage sit alongside gold, purple and variegated forms. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elisabeth’ is one of the most striking, with white-edged leaves that turn red as seasons progress.

All Pittosporum species and varieties flower in spring, between May and June. Flowers may be white, yellow or even purple, and the diversity of their flowering matches that of their foliage. Even the most inconspicuous flowers emit a strong fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. Flowering is followed by capsule-shaped fruits that burst at ripeness, revealing red, waxy seeds. These seeds can be easily harvested for sowing under a cold frame.

Not very hardy, Pittosporum tolerates pruning very well and resists sea spray, making it an ideal bush by the coast or in a dry, Mediterranean-style garden. In regions with harsh winters, particularly those subject to a montane climate, favour Pittosporum heterophyllum, one of the hardiest, or opt for planting in a pot.

Pittosporums grown in pots can therefore be overwintered easily in a bright, minimally heated room such as a conservatory.

Pittosporum tobira : foliage, flower buds, flower and fruits.

Species and varieties

Most popular varieties

Varieties to discover

Pittosporum tobira

Hardy to -5°C, this compact bush has glossy evergreen foliage, ideal for creating a coastal hedge. In May it is covered in white bell-shaped flowers exuding a scent of orange blossom. Available in dwarf form (Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’).

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 5 m

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Pittosporum tenuifolium Irene Patterson - Kohuhu

Originality of this small bush with a very compact habit lies in its foliage speckled with white and green, often flushed with pink in winter. Contrast is all the more striking as both stems and flowers show a purplish-violet hue.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Pittosporum tenuifolium Elisabeth - Kohuhu

This Pittosporum stands out for beauty of its evergreen, variegated foliage that changes colour through the seasons. Variegated grey-green and cream-rose in spring and summer, the leaves gradually turn pink and red in winter.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegatum - Kohuhu

Hardy to -7°C, this bush bears elegant foliage margined with cream-white and a discreet but scented flowering. It adapts well to container growing, but is also used in coastal hedges.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

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Pittosporum heterophyllum

This evergreen bush stands out for intense scent released by its flowering in spring, a blend of honey and vanilla. One of the hardiest species (to -10°C), but requires well-drained soil.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

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Pittosporum tenuifolium Abbotsbury Gold - Kohuhu

This pittosporum is arguably one of the most striking, with black branches that contrast with its variegated evergreen leaves of very bright green and yellow. In spring delicate scented flowers appear, of an exquisite near-black purple.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the full description

Planting Pittosporum

Where to plant it?

Moderately hardy, Pittosporum generally does not tolerate frosts below 7°C. Planting in open ground should therefore be reserved for regions with mild winters such as Mediterranean or Atlantic coast. Preferably provide a warm, full-sun exposure. A semi-shaded position is possible for some varieties, such as Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’, but bush will grow less and be less compact.

In regions with montane climate (Pyrenees, Alps, Massif Central, Jura…), favour a species offering good hardiness, such as Pittosporum heterophyllum, and site it sheltered from wind, for example against a south-facing wall. You can also opt for container planting and bring indoors for winter.

While Pittosporum is not very demanding regarding soil type, avoid overly calcareous soils and heavy soils that retain moisture. This bush does need good soil drainage to develop. It prefers drier rather than wetter soil, and soil fairly rich in organic matter.

Compact varieties, notably Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, can be grown in a pot. They can thus be brought indoors during winter in climates that experience severe frosts.

When to plant Pittosporum?

Prefer planting in spring, between March and April, or alternatively in autumn, between September and October.

How to plant it?

Once location chosen:

1. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the volume of the rootball.
2. Mix garden soil with leaf mould and coarse sand in equal proportion (50%).
3. Place Pittosporum in position, leaving collar (junction between roots and soil) level with soil.
4. Backfill with the mixture and firm down.
5. Water immediately and generously.
6. Mulch around base to help keep soil cool and moist.
7. Water regularly afterwards to encourage establishment, once or twice a week.

For a hedge, space each Pittosporum about 1 m apart.

For container planting, provide a substrate made of garden soil, coarse sand and compost or potting compost in equal parts. Improve drainage by placing a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot.

Delicate inflorescences of Pittosporum heterophyllum, with scent reminiscent of orange blossom.

Care

Pittosporum can tolerate dry soil. However, to ensure optimal growth, water it once a week in summer.

This precaution is particularly necessary for plants grown in pots, as this cultivation method promotes evaporation of moisture from the substrate. Also give them a liquid feed once a month during growth (March to September).

In autumn, mulch around the base to protect the roots of your Pittosporums from frost. If exposed to cold winds, protect its foliage with a frost fleece.

Potted plants can be moved into a bright, frost-free space such as an unheated veranda. Reduce waterings, water once a month to prevent the substrate from drying out completely.

Apply compost in autumn or winter to encourage a lovely spring flowering.

Pruning Pittosporum

Pruning Pittosporum is not essential but helps maintain an airy, harmonious habit. It is carried out in mid-summer (late July), after flowering. Pruning in early spring is possible but removes flowering, so we do not recommend it if you want to enjoy its sweet fragrance.

Trim back tips of shoots to even them up. Remove branches growing inward and dead shoots. It is also possible to prune it as topiary.

In a pot, growth is slower, so stick to light pruning to rebalance habit of your Pittosporum if needed.

Virginie T. tells you more in the tutorial How to prune Pittosporum?

Diseases and parasitic organisms

Pittosporum has good resistance to disease. However, it can suffer mealybug infestations, particularly in late spring or early autumn when air is warm and humid.

These sap-sucking insects feed on plant sap, damaging its development. Their presence can lead to sooty mould forming on leaves. This black deposit prevents photosynthesis, which also harms Pittosporum growth. Moreover, it is simply disastrous aesthetically.

For prevention as well as treatment, we advise avoiding use of pesticidal products in favour of a natural method. For example, spray a mixture made from liquid black soap, methylated spirits and vegetable oil. Repeat every 8 days.

Note that no miracle cure guarantees eradication of mealybugs. Constant vigilance is your best ally, together with good growing conditions.

Variegated foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elisabeth’ changes colour with seasons.

Propagation

Pittosporum is easily propagated by propagation by cuttings or by sowing. However, favour propagation by cuttings, which is quicker and easier to carry out and will reproduce your favourite variety identically.

Sowing

Sowing Pittosporum seeds gives good results. However, patience is required: growth of these bushes is fairly slow.

• Harvest seeds at ripeness, when the red capsules split open in late autumn.
• Sow directly in a cold frame.
• Choose a bright position out of direct sunlight.
• Keep soil slightly moist.

First seedlings should appear within 30 to 60 days.

Seeds of Pittosporum tobira.

Propagation by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings of Pittosporums is carried out in summer, in July–August. The cutting is taken from a semi-lignified shoot, that is to say one that is beginning to take on the consistency of wood but remains flexible.

• Cut stems of about 15 cm from the tips of semi-lignified shoots.
• Plant them in pots in a light substrate such as compost for sowing. Keep moist.
• Keep covered, by placing half bottles or clear plastic bags over the pots.
• Pot on into a new pot when new leaves appear (may take several weeks).
• Keep cuttings between 5°C and 10°C during winter.
• Plant out in autumn.

Associations

In mild climate, Pittosporum is well suited to creating informal hedges. Don’t hesitate to vary the colours by combining the bright green of Chinese Pittosporums (Pittosporum heterophyllum) with the golden foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Abbotsbury Gold’. Pittosporum can also be mixed with other Mediterranean bushes such as oleanders or eleagnus. Leave one metre between each young plant to allow them to develop.

An idea for combining plants in an informal hedge for mild climate: Nerium oleander / Pittosporum heterophyllum / Eleagnus ebbingei / Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Abbostbury Gold’.

Use smaller varieties, such as Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, to perfume your paths with their delicate scent. Pair them with other aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary…) to multiply olfactory pleasures, or with other bushes for low hedges such as abelias. They also add relief to a rockery or can be grown in pots to dress a terrace or balcony. Their compact habit makes them easy to train as topiary. Pittosporum also makes an excellent substitute for boxwood.

Pittosporum is well suited to container culture: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Emerald Gold’ / Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’.

If you are looking for a specimen capable of becoming a real focal point in your Mediterranean garden, fall for Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Patterson’ without hesitation. Its silver-speckled foliage offers a continual display, especially striking in spring when purplish-violet flowers appear, and equally delightful in winter when its leaves take on a delicate pink tinge.

Finally, Pittosporum is an ideal bush for structuring a bed or providing a dense, elegant backdrop. For a successful effect, vary shapes, habits and heights, and avoid planting in a straight line — use a staggered layout for a more natural result.

An example of a contrasting planting in a mixed border: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ / Tiarella cordifolia / Ophiopogon planiscarpus ‘Nigrescens’.

→ also read: Pittosporum: 5 ideas for successful plant combinations