Is pittosporum a tree or bush?
The Pittosporum undulatum is a tall shrub or small tree with large glossy green elliptical leaves with characteristic wavy edges. The pointed leaves can measure 2.3” to 6” (6 – 15 cm) long and 1.5” (4 cm) wide. Other features of this attractive shrub are clusters of white scented flowers and small orange fruits.
Where is the best place to plant a pittosporum?
HOW AND WHEN TO PLANT A NEW PITTOSPORUMChoose a full sun to partial shade position. ... If the soil is heavy or is not free draining add lots of well rotted compost to the area and dig it in well.It can be planted all year long if the soil is not frozen and you can water well when conditions are dry.More items...
What is another name for pittosporum?
Pittosporum undulatum (Australian cheesewood)
Can pittosporum be kept small?
The evergreen shrub is suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. It needs frequent pruning to keep its size in check, especially when young. Often used as a hedge, the shrub can be kept at any height you like -- depending on how much you like to use your pruners.
How big does a pittosporum get?
Pittosporum plants are moderate to slow-growing bushes with whorled leaves of either glossy green or variegated white. The plants produce fragrant, creamy-white flowers at the ends of the stems, set in clusters. At maturity, the plants may get 12 feet (4 m.) high with an 18 foot (6 m.)
Can you cut back a pittosporum?
Pittosporum. During the first spring after planting, cut back the main stems by about one-third to encourage sideshoots and a bushy habit. Thereafter, little or no routine pruning is required, other than the removal of dead, damaged or weak growth.
Do Pittosporums attract flies?
The flowers are filled with nectar and exude a honey scented fragrance in the evenings with the scent being more obvious in slightly damp conditions. This attracts moths and night flying insects, and it is believed these insects help with pollination.
How long does a Pittosporum live?
50 to 150 yearsTaking Care of Your Pittosporums Pittosporum will grow up to 24 inches every year, though growth will slow as the plant becomes older. When properly cared for, they can live from 50 to 150 years, making it a substantial investment in your home's landscaping.
What does Pittosporum smell like?
orange blossomsPittosporum, a shrub native to Asia, is often called mock orange, creating considerable confusion because the plants in the genus Philadelphus also go under that name. The reason for the same common name is simple: They both smell like orange blossoms when they are in bloom.
Which pittosporum is best?
Pittosporum Tenuifolium plant varieties will be the ideal option. Its hardness, fast & bush growing nature makes Pittosporum hedge plants a perfect screening tree.
Can pittosporum take full sun?
Pittosporums prefer full sun, but will also grow in part shade. Giving them six hours or more of direct sun will make a nice full screen. You'll need at least four hours of sun or your screen will lose density. Space your plants three feet apart.
Is pittosporum poisonous to dogs?
Is Pittosporum tobira poisonous? Pittosporum tobira has no toxic effects reported.
Are Pittosporum fast growing?
Pittosporum tenuifolium from New Zealand is a fast-growing hedge. These plants grow about a metre every year.
How much space does Pittosporum need?
Spacing. Most pittosporum varieties can grow up to 6 feet (2 metres) wide, so space the plants at least 3 feet (around 1 metre) apart for a dense privacy hedge.
Why are my Pittosporum dying?
Excessive watering/overly wet soils and/or poor drainage are the major killers when it comes to Pittosporum in backyards.
Which Pittosporum is the hardiest?
Pittosporum tenuifoliumPittosporum tenuifolium is one of the hardiest pittosporums, bearing neat, evergreen foliage on gorgeous black stems. Some varieties bear inconspicuous, dark purple honey-scented flowers.
How tall is Pittosporum?
At maturity, the species can reach 8 to 12 feet or more in height, with a 12 to 18 foot spread. The natural form is dense and mounded. Pittosporum responds well to pruning and can be maintained for many years at smaller sizes. Heavy, frequent pruning may mean sacrificing the fragrant flowers.
How big does a pittosporum grow?
It grows to 3 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. It is less hardy than other cultivars. Numerous pittosporum cultivars and species are grown on the west coast. Most have not yet been tested in the Southeast, and the list of pittosporums that can be grown here is likely to increase.
How to propagate Pittosporum?
Pittosporum has good salt tolerance, including tolerance to salt spray. Propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings taken from mid July to September and treated with a root-promoting compound. Cuttings root best in a well-drained potting medium such as 50% peat and 50% perlite. Maintain high humidity around the cuttings.
Where is Pittosporum native to?
Japanese pittosporum ( Pittosporum tobira) is a tough, evergreen shrub, commonly grown in mid and coastal South Carolina. It is native to southern Japan and China. The attractive, dense evergreen foliage and mounded form, along with adaptability to many growing conditions, make it popular in landscapes as hedges ...
How tall do mojo flowers get?
Several cultivars, such as ‘MoJo’ and ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’, have been selected for compact growth, some reaching as little as 2 to 3 feet tall at maturity.
Is pittosporum good for landscaping?
The attractive, dense evergreen foliage and mounded form, along with adaptability to many growing conditions, make it popular in landscapes as hedges and foundation plantings. Excellent salt tolerance makes pittosporum well suited for planting near the beach.
Where are the glossy leaves on evergreens?
Glossy evergreen leaves are tightly arranged in whorls at the ends of the branches. Variegated forms are perhaps even more common in the landscape than the dark green species due to the appeal of their gray-green and cream leaves.
Where is Pittosporum native to?
Native to Asia and Africa, Pittosporum is widely grown throughout Japan and New Zealand. It enjoys mild weather, well-drained soil, and full sun. Many hybrid types are available that can be used as hedges, small trees, and shrubs. Have a look at the Best Pittosporum Varieties!
What does a Wheelers dwarf look like?
Wheelers Dwarf looks dense with curly branches that form a slight curve. In early spring, fragrant white flowers start to appear on the plant. Some varieties can be grown in containers also.
What color are the leaves on a sage plant?
The plant’s oval-shaped leaves have creamy pink edges with dark-brown black stems. It also grows a cluster of small, fragrant deep purple flowers in spring.
What is a pittosporum?
In addition, they are also genus for almost two hundred species flowering plants.
What is the most common type of pittosporum?
The Japanese pittosporum, known as the Pittosporum tobira, is the most common kind.
What are the different types of Pittosporum plants?
The most popular species of Pittosporum plants are Pittosporum Tobira, Pittosporum Eugenioides, Pittosporum Crassifolium and Pittosporum Tenuifoilum.
What is the fastest growing pittosporum shrub?
The quickest-growing pittosporum shrub is the variegated pittosporum, which can become a small tree with oval, white-edged leaves.
How tall does Pittosporum Silver Sheen get?
It can grow to nearly 25 feet tall and be 15 feet in width.
How long does it take for a pittosporum to grow?
Pittosporum leaves are typically whorls and spirals and most of them don’t exceed two to three meters after many years of growth. Growing pittosporum plants is fun because of their foliage and beauty. Pittosporum plants can be called in different names.
Why is pittosporum called mock orange?
This type of pittosporum is called a mock orange because of the flowers’ fragrance.
Growing Pittosporum: Tips at a Glance
Deer-resistant, fast-growing, and low-maintenance: what's not to love about evergreen pittosporum shrubs and small trees? If you live in a mild climate (USDA zone 8 or warmer), consider using this hedging plant as a privacy screen or an alternative to a fence.
Pittosporum: A Field Guide
Evergreen shrubs (or small trees), pittosporums are an excellent alternative to boxwoods in warm climates. Fast growing and uncomplaining, pittosporums respond well to clipping, shaping, pruning, and training of nearly any sort.
Mature Height/Spread
Growth Rate
- Japanese pittosporum grows rapidly to 8 to 10 feet tall, and then growth slows considerably. Dwarf cultivars grow more slowly than the species.
Ornamental Features
- Glossy evergreen leaves are tightly arranged in whorls at the ends of the branches. Variegated forms are perhaps even more common in the landscape than the dark green species due to the appeal of their gray-green and cream leaves. Pittosporum bears extremely fragrant, orange-blossom scented, flower clusters in early to mid spring. The cream-white f...
Landscape Use
- Pittosporums are well suited for hedges and screens due to their rapid growth rate, density and toughness. They also make very attractive small, multi-stemmed trees when lower branches are removed. Dwarf cultivars are attractive in foundation plantings, as high ground covers or mass plantings, and in containers.
Culture
- Pittosporums are very tolerant of a range of soil conditions, so long as the soil is well drained. They are very drought tolerant once established, although they are most attractive and healthy when provided with regular and adequate amounts of water, especially while becoming established. They are not at all tolerant of poor drainage or excessive moisture, which can lead t…
Problems
- Insect problems include cottony cushion scale, mealy bugs and aphids. Horticultural oil sprays are effective against both. Sooty mold is a certain sign of aphid or scale infestation. Root rot diseases can be lethal for pittosporum, particularly in poorly drained soil. Avoid planting in areas where water accumulates after rains. Several leaf spot diseases can be problems. In general, ensure g…
Cultivars
- ‘Glen St. Mary’ is a green-leaved cultivar that grows six to eight feet tall at a moderate growth rate.
- ‘MoJo’ has a very compact habit, growing to only 18 to 22 inches tall by three to four feet wide, with glossy variegated foliage. ‘MoJo is hardier than the species and is suitable for growth in the...
- ‘Glen St. Mary’ is a green-leaved cultivar that grows six to eight feet tall at a moderate growth rate.
- ‘MoJo’ has a very compact habit, growing to only 18 to 22 inches tall by three to four feet wide, with glossy variegated foliage. ‘MoJo is hardier than the species and is suitable for growth in the...
- ‘Variegata’ is the most common variegated form. It grows to six feet or more in height, with gray-green leaves with a white edge. It is somewhat less hardy than the species.
- ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ is a very popular dwarf, with shiny, very dark green foliage. It grows to 3 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. It is less hardy than other cultivars.
