*Pittosporum*: to plant, to grow and pruning

Description and Botany

The genus Pittosporum, belonging to the family Pittosporaceae, comprises around 200 species mainly from New Zealand, Australia, and New Caledonia, such as Pittosporum tenuifolium. The Pittosporum tobira originates from Japan and China.

Pittosporums can reach up to 20 m or more in their native regions. However, 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 forming low hedges. The naturally compact and rounded habit of Pittosporum allows it to be easily shaped into topiary, making it a great alternative to boxwood.

The size and appearance of the foliage vary greatly depending on the species or varieties. While some, like Pittosporum tenuifolium, have small, round, leathery leaves that do not exceed 3 to 4 cm in length, others, such as Pittosporum heterophyllum, bear more elongated leaves that can reach up to 8 cm long.

Pittosporum tobira – botanical illustration

The diversity of Pittosporum foliage does not stop there, as there are many colour variations. Varieties with glossy green foliage coexist with those featuring golden, purple, or variegated leaves. The Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elisabeth’ is one of the most remarkable, with its white-edged foliage that turns red over the seasons.

All species and varieties of Pittosporum flower in spring, between May and June. White, yellow, or even purple flowers, the diversity of their flowering rivals that of their foliage. Even the most discreet emit a powerful fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms. The flowering gives way to capsule-shaped fruits that burst open at ripeness, revealing waxy red seeds. These seeds can easily be harvested for sowing under cold frames.

Not very hardy, it tolerates pruning very well and withstands sea spray, making it an ideal bush for coastal gardens or dry Mediterranean-type gardens. In regions with harsh winters, particularly those subjected to montane climates, prefer Pittosporum heterophyllum, one of the hardiest, or opt for container planting.

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

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

Species and varieties

The most popular varieties

Varieties to discover

Pittosporum tobira - Japanese Pittosporum

Hardy down to -5°C, this compact bush features glossy green evergreen foliage, ideal for creating a hedge by the sea. In May, it is covered in white bell-shaped flowers exuding an orange blossom fragrance. Available in a dwarf version (Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’).

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the product sheet

Pittosporum tenuifolium Irene Patterson - Kohuhu

The uniqueness of this small bush with a very compact habit lies in its white and green speckled foliage, often tinged with pink in winter. The contrast is all the more striking as both the stems and flowers display a purplish hue.

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

See the product sheet

Pittosporum tenuifolium Elisabeth - Kohuhu

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

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

See the product sheet

Pittosporum tenuifolium Variegatum - Kohuhu

Hardy down to -7°C, this bush features elegant foliage marginate with white-cream and a discreet yet fragrant flowering. It adapts well to pot cultivation but is also used in seaside hedges.

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

See the product sheet

Pittosporum heterophyllum

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

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

See the product sheet

Pittosporum tenuifolium Abbotsbury Gold - Kohuhu

This pittosporum is undoubtedly one of the brightest with its black branches contrasting with its very bright green and yellow variegated evergreen leaves. In spring, delicately fragrant flowers emerge, of an exquisite dark purplish hue.

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

See the product sheet

Planting Pittosporum

Where to plant it?

Moderately hardy, Pittosporum generally does not tolerate frosts below 7°C. Its planting in open ground should therefore be reserved for regions with mild winters, such as the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast. Preferably, provide it with a warm, sunny exposure. A partially shaded location is possible for certain varieties, such as Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’, but the bush will develop less and be less compact.

In regions with a montane climate (Pyrenees, Alps, Massif Central, Jura…), choose a species with good hardiness, such as Pittosporum heterophyllum, and place it sheltered from the wind, against a south-facing wall, for example. You can also opt for pot planting, bringing it indoors during winter.

Although Pittosporum is not very demanding regarding soil type, avoid overly calcareous soils as well as heavy soils that retain moisture. This bush indeed needs good soil drainage to thrive. It will prefer soil that is too dry rather than too wet, and rather rich in organic matter.

Compact varieties, notably Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, can be grown in pots. This way, they can be brought indoors during winter in climates that experience significant frosts.

When to plant Pittosporum?

Preferably plant in spring, between March and April, or alternatively in autumn, between September and October.

How to plant it?

Once you have chosen your location:

1. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the volume of the root ball.
2. Mix your garden soil with leaf compost and coarse sand at a ratio of 50%.
3. Position the Pittosporum in its location, allowing the collar (the junction point between the roots and the soil) to be level with the surface.
4. Backfill with the mixture and firm down.
5. Water immediately and generously.
6. Mulch the base to retain soil moisture.
7. Then water regularly to encourage its establishment, once or twice a week.

In a hedge, space each Pittosporum plant about 1 metre apart.

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

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

Maintenance

Pittosporum can tolerate dry soil. However, to ensure optimal growth, we recommend watering it once a week during the summer season.

This precaution is even more necessary for plants grown in pots, as this method of cultivation promotes the evaporation of moisture from the substrate. Also, provide them with a liquid fertiliser every month during the growth period (from March to September).

In autumn, mulch the base to protect the roots of your Pittosporum from frost. If it is exposed to cold winds, protect its foliage with a winter cover.

Potted plants can be brought indoors to a bright location kept frost-free, such as an unheated conservatory. Reduce water supply, watering once a month to prevent the substrate from drying out completely.

Add compost in autumn or winter to encourage a beautiful spring flowering.

Pruning Pittosporum

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

Trim the tips of the branches to even them out. Remove branches directed inwards as well as dead shoots. It is also possible to shape it into topiary.

In pots, as growth is slower, a light pruning is sufficient to rebalance the habit of your Pittosporum if needed.

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

Diseases and Pests

Pittosporum has good resistance to diseases. However, it can be affected by mealybug attacks, particularly in late spring or early autumn when the air is warm and humid.

These piercing-sucking insects feed on the sap of the plant, harming its development. Their presence can lead to the formation of sooty mould on the leaves. This black deposit prevents photosynthesis, which also adversely affects the growth of Pittosporum. Additionally, it is simply disastrous from an aesthetic point of view.

For prevention and treatment, we recommend avoiding the use of pesticidal products in favour of a natural method. For example, spray a mixture of liquid black soap, methylated spirits, and vegetable oil. Repeat the operation every 8 days.

Be aware that there is no miracle treatment to definitely get rid of mealybugs. Constant attention is your best ally, along with good growing conditions.

The variegated foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elisabeth’ changes colour with the seasons.

Multiplication

Pittosporum propagates easily by propagation by cuttings or sowing. However, prefer propagation by cuttings, which is quicker and easier to implement, allowing you to reproduce your favourite variety exactly.

Sowing

Sowing Pittosporum seeds yields good results. However, patience is required as the growth of these bushes is quite slow.

• Harvest the seeds at ripeness, when the red capsules burst in late autumn.
• Sow directly in a cold frame.
• Prefer a bright location but without direct sunlight.
• Keep the soil slightly moist.

The first seedlings should appear within 30 to 60 days.

Seeds of Pittosporum tobira.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings of Pittosporums is done in summer, in July-August. The cutting is taken from a semi-lignified branch, which means it has started to take on the consistency of wood but is still flexible.

• Cut stems of about 15 cm from the end of a semi-lignified branch.
• Plant them in pots, in a light substrate such as seed compost. Moisten.
• Place in a humid environment, covering the pots with half-bottles or clear plastic bags.
• Transplant into a new pot upon the appearance of new leaves (this may take several weeks).
• Keep the cuttings between 5 and 10°C during winter.
• Plant out in autumn.

Associations

In mild climates, Pittosporum is well-suited for creating free-standing hedges. Feel free to vary the colours by combining the bright green of Chinese Orange Trees (Pittosporum heterophyllum) with the golden foliage of Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Abbotsbury Gold’. Pittosporum can also be mixed with other Mediterranean bushes such as oleanders or oleaster. Be sure to maintain a distance of one metre between each young plant to allow them to thrive.

An idea for a free-standing hedge in a mild climate: Nerium oleander / Pittosporum heterophyllum / Eleagnus ebbingei / Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Abbotsbury Gold’.

Use smaller varieties, such as Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’, to perfume your paths with their delicate fragrance. Pair them with other aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary…) to enhance the olfactory pleasures or with other bushes for low hedges like abelias. They also add dimension to a rockery or can be grown in pots to enhance a terrace or balcony. Their compact habit makes them easy to shape into topiary. Pittosporum is also a great substitute for boxwood.

Pittosporum is well-suited for pot cultivation: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Emerald Gold’ / Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’.

If you are looking for a subject that can become a true focal point in your Mediterranean garden, don’t hesitate to fall for Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Patterson’. Its silver-speckled foliage offers a perpetual spectacle, particularly striking in spring when purple flowers appear, but also delightful in winter when its leaves delicately tint pink.

Finally, Pittosporum is an ideal bush for structuring a flowerbed or providing a dense and elegant backdrop. For a successful effect, vary the shapes, habits, and heights, and avoid planting in a straight line but rather in clusters for a more natural look.

An example of a contrasting flowerbed association: Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ / Tiarella cordifolia / Ophiopogon planiscarpus ‘Nigrescens’.

→ also read: Pittosporum: 5 ideas for successful associations