Pittosporum heterophyllum
Pittosporum heterophyllum
Pittosporum heterophyllum
Chinese Pittosporum
Lovely shrub, healthy and vigorous. Marked improvement in the packaging (pot in well-closed bags, stapled to the cardboard), so no more mix-ups during transport.
Katy, 23/09/2025
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Description
Pittosporum heterophyllum is a Chinese pittosporum, which is quite similar to its relative, Pittosporum tobira, and is widely planted as a hedge. Much less used than the Pittosporum tobira, it offers more fragrant spring flowers and narrower and more elegant evergreen foliage than its cousin. The drought and cold resistance of these two species are comparable, and they appreciate the same growing conditions. Very useful in a dry garden or by the sea, this pittosporum tolerates pruning well, even severe pruning, and shows tolerance towards most soil conditions. It can be included in an informal hedge, grown in a container or as a topiary. Its fragrance will perfume a whole section of the garden in spring!
Pittosporum heterophyllum is sometimes considered to be the same as the Pittosporum truncatum, whose leaves, unlike its own, are often curled at the tips. This shrub, belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, is native to the dry regions of western China. Rather columnar in its young years, over time it forms a dense and rounded bush of 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) in all directions. Its greyish branches bear evergreen leaves that are light green and vibrant, with a lighter underside. They are alternate, entire, elongated, thick and leathery, with slightly undulate edges. They are of medium size, reaching 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3in) in length and 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in width. Flowering takes place in late spring or early summer. The small flowers, 5 to 6mm (1in) in diameter, cup-shaped and pale yellow, emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. They are gathered in clusters that appear at the ends of the branches as well as in the axils of the leaves, and are followed in autumn by the formation of a few round fruits that open to reveal red-orange seeds coated with a sticky and aromatic substance resembling resin. The name Pittosporum comes from the Greek words pitta, resin, and sporos, seed.
Hardy down to -10°C (14°F) in well-drained soil, Pittosporum heterophyllum requires a not too wet soil in winter, light, a warm location, sunny or even shady in hot climates, and protection from cold and dry winds. It tolerates salt spray well, which allows it to be used without reservation in an informal hedge, in a seaside garden. It can also be planted on a large slope or at the back of a flower bed. Pair it with Pistacia lentiscus, Olearia, Mytus, laurels, escallonias or combine it with the silver foliage of Atriplex halimus or variegated Photinia Pink Marble. A bit further from the sea, it will also accompany Oleanders, Eleagnus, Pineapple broom (Cytisus battandieri) or the oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia). In cold regions, it can be planted in a container on a terrace to enjoy its divine fragrance and Mediterranean charm.
Pittosporum heterophyllum in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Botanical data
Pittosporum
heterophyllum
Pittosporaceae
Chinese Pittosporum
China
Planting and care
Pittosporum heterophyllum should preferably be planted in spring in cold climates, or in September-October in mild climates. Plant it in a fertile, light, dry, not too chalky and well-drained soil. Its roots dislike waterlogged soils in winter. When planting, mix leaf compost and coarse sand with your garden soil at a ratio of 50%. Water your plant generously once or twice a week to promote growth. Under these conditions, it will withstand short frosts of around -10°C (14°F), when sheltered from prevailing winds. Plant it along a south-facing wall in regions with harsh winters. Under a cooler climate, cover it with a winter veil or shelter it in a frost-free veranda for the winter season. To help it branch out during the first years of planting, pinch the young shoots. In mature subjects, trim the branches that appear disheveled at the end of the growing season. It is quite possible to shape it into a ball or a hedge, as it tolerates pruning very well, even severe pruning.
Propagate with cuttings in winter. This plant has few enemies, but dislikes the combination of heat and soil humidity, which are responsible for the development of a deadly fungus for this shrub. In summer, watering will be necessary for the establishment of the plant during heatwaves and drought. This should be plentiful but spaced out, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, etc.)
It will vary according to where you live:- In zones 9 to 10 (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), flowering will occur about 2 to 4 weeks earlier.
- In zones 6 to 7 (Germany, Poland, Slovenia, and lower mountainous regions), flowering will be delayed by 2 to 3 weeks.
- In zone 5 (Central Europe, Scandinavia), blooming will be delayed by 3 to 5 weeks.
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions located in USDA zone 8 (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands).
It will vary according to where you live:
- In Mediterranean zones (Marseille, Madrid, Milan, etc.), autumn and winter are the best planting periods.
- In continental zones (Strasbourg, Munich, Vienna, etc.), delay planting by 2 to 3 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 2 to 4 weeks in autumn.
- In mountainous regions (the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, etc.), it is best to plant in late spring (May-June) or late summer (August-September).
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
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