The Mojo Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira ‘CNI Three’) is a popular evergreen shrub, prized for its attractive variegated foliage and compact growth habit. Its glossy green leaves, often edged with creamy yellow, provide year-round visual interest. Understanding a plant’s potential size is a foundational step in successful landscaping, as it ensures proper placement and prevents overcrowding.
Understanding Mojo Pittosporum’s Mature Size
Mojo Pittosporum typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 3 feet and a similar spread of 2 to 3 feet, often forming a dense, rounded mound. Some sources indicate a potential width of up to 3 to 4 feet. This compact form makes it a suitable choice for various landscape applications, including foundation plantings, borders, or as an accent in smaller garden areas. The plant generally achieves this mature size after several years of growth.
The shrub’s natural mounding habit means it maintains a tidy appearance without extensive shaping. While the stated dimensions provide a general expectation, actual size can exhibit some variability depending on specific growing conditions.
Factors Influencing Mojo Pittosporum Size
Several environmental and horticultural elements influence the ultimate size a Mojo Pittosporum achieves. Adequate sunlight is a primary factor, as plants grown in full sun or morning sun with afternoon shade tend to be denser than those in deeper shade. They can still perform well in partial shade, but a minimum of three hours of direct sunlight per day is suggested for optimal density.
Soil quality also heavily influences growth; Mojo Pittosporum thrives in well-drained, loose soils. While tolerant of various soil types, constantly soggy conditions can lead to root problems and inhibit growth. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0.
Consistent watering is important, particularly during the plant’s establishment phase. While established Mojo Pittosporum exhibits good drought tolerance, regular moisture promotes vigorous growth and a larger size. Extreme temperatures, especially those outside its USDA hardiness zones of 7 to 10, can stress the plant, limiting its vigor and final dimensions. Providing proper nutrient availability through yearly fertilization, typically in late spring, supports healthy development.
Managing Mojo Pittosporum Size
Gardeners can actively manage the size and shape of Mojo Pittosporum through various techniques. Pruning is an effective method for controlling its dimensions and maintaining a desired form. Corrective or selective pruning helps preserve the plant’s natural appearance and can be done to reduce overall size or remove unwanted branches. The best time for general pruning is typically in late winter or early spring, or immediately after it finishes blooming in spring.
Careful consideration of planting location and spacing is also important for size management. When planting multiple Mojo Pittosporum shrubs, spacing them 2 to 2.5 feet apart creates a solid hedge or mass planting, while a spacing of 5 feet or more allows for individual plants to develop with space between them. Ensuring the chosen site accommodates the plant’s mature spread prevents overcrowding, which can restrict growth and air circulation. Growing Mojo Pittosporum in containers is another way to naturally restrict its size, as the limited root space will curb its overall development. This makes container gardening an option for those in colder climates (north of USDA Zone 8a) who need to bring the plant indoors during winter.
Mojo Pittosporum Growth Rate
Mojo Pittosporum generally exhibits a moderate to slow growth rate. While some sources describe it as moderate to fast, others emphasize its slow-growing and compact nature. This means it will typically add between 6 to 12 inches of new growth per year. Its slower growth contributes to its low-maintenance appeal, as it maintains its compact habit without requiring frequent pruning.
The rate of growth can be influenced by the same factors that affect its ultimate size, such as sunlight exposure, soil fertility, and consistent moisture. Despite variations in terminology, the overall consensus is that Mojo Pittosporum is not a rapid grower, which makes it a predictable choice for garden designs where controlled size is desired.