Pittosporum is a diverse genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees, valued in landscaping for their attractive foliage, often fragrant flowers, and adaptability. Cultivated across various climates, these versatile plants serve multiple purposes, from hedges and screens to specimen plantings, providing year-round interest.
General Characteristics of Pittosporum
Pittosporum species generally share several recognizable traits. Most are evergreen, maintaining their foliage throughout the year, which provides continuous structure and color. Their leaves typically have a glossy, leathery texture, varying in shape and often featuring wavy margins. While foliage is a primary appeal, many varieties also produce small, five-petaled flowers, frequently emitting a sweet fragrance. These blooms usually appear in shades of cream, white, or purple.
Popular Pittosporum Varieties
Japanese Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)
Japanese Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) forms a dense, rounded shrub or small tree. Its foliage consists of leathery, dark green leaves, typically arranged in whorls at branch tips and reaching up to five inches long. In spring, it produces clusters of creamy-white flowers with an intense, orange-blossom-like fragrance. These flowers are quite showy.
Cultivars include ‘Variegatum’, which features cream-edged leaves. For smaller spaces, ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’ offers a compact, mounding form, growing 2-3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. This dwarf variety maintains dense, glossy dark green foliage but flowers less reliably than the standard form.
Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium)
Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium) is known for its slender, often nearly black stems that contrast with its foliage. Its leaves are typically smaller than P. tobira, often with wavy edges, and vary widely in color, including shades of green, purple, bronze, and lime green. This species can grow into a large shrub or small tree, reaching up to 30 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide. Small, bell-shaped flowers, often purple-brown, appear in late spring to early summer with a subtle honey-like fragrance.
Cultivars include ‘Tom Thumb’, a dwarf variety with compact, rounded habit and deep purple foliage, with new growth emerging bright green. ‘Marjorie Channon’ presents variegated leaves with creamy-white margins and an upright, bushy growth habit. ‘Silver Sheen’ features small, silvery-green leaves on dark, thin stems, creating an airy appearance.
Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)
Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum) is distinguished by its highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers. These flowers typically bloom in terminal clusters during spring and early summer, releasing a strong perfume that can pervade a large area. The plant features larger, glossy dark green leaves, often reaching up to 15 cm long, with wavy margins.
This species exhibits vigorous growth, capable of reaching up to 12 meters tall with a dense crown. While popular as an ornamental, it has shown invasive tendencies in some regions outside its native southeastern Australia. Its ability to colonize disturbed areas, grow rapidly, and shade out other plants necessitates careful planting consideration.
Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides)
Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides) is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand, known for its distinctive foliage and upright growth. Its glossy leaves are typically lime-green, often mottled yellow-green, with wavy edges and a prominent bright midrib. When crushed, the leaves release a strong lemony scent.
This species can grow up to 39 feet tall and 16 feet wide, forming a conical shape when young and becoming more rounded with maturity. In spring, it produces highly fragrant clusters of yellow-cream flowers. Lemonwood is suitable for screens or hedges and adapts well to various soil and light conditions.
Cultivation and Care
Pittosporum species are adaptable and straightforward to grow, thriving in a range of conditions. Most varieties prefer full sun to partial shade, where they can develop their best foliage color and density. They perform best in well-draining soil, as they are not tolerant of waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Once established, Pittosporum plants exhibit good drought tolerance, though consistent moisture during dry periods promotes optimal health. Young plants require regular watering to establish a robust root system. Pruning maintains shape, controls size, or encourages denser growth for hedges and screens. For flowering varieties, prune immediately after blooming to avoid removing next year’s flower buds.
Selecting the Ideal Pittosporum for Your Landscape
Choosing the appropriate Pittosporum variety involves considering several factors to ensure it thrives and meets design goals. Evaluate the desired mature size, as varieties range from compact dwarfs for containers or low borders to larger shrubs and small trees for screening or specimen planting. The intended growth habit, whether a dense hedge, an informal screen, or a focal point, also guides selection.
Foliage color and texture offer visual impact, with options from dark green and variegated leaves to silvery or purple hues. Consider the plant’s hardiness zone and local climate for long-term success. Selecting a variety with fragrant flowers can add another sensory dimension to the garden.