How to Grow Pittosporum
iNaturalist
Pittosporum
Pittosporum spp.
shrubPittosporum is a versatile evergreen shrub prized for its attractive glossy foliage and fragrant flowers. Native to Australia, Africa, and Asia, these plants are popular in landscaping for hedges, screens, and specimen plantings. They offer year-round visual interest with leathery leaves and delicate, sweetly scented blooms.
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Example Pittosporum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pittosporum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Pittosporum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown in containers in cooler climates and brought indoors
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Get my Pittosporum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-6 monthsYoung plant developing root system with initial leaf growth; appears compact
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Provide shelter from strong winds and intense heat. Avoid transplanting frequently.
Vegetative Growth
6-12 monthsRapid foliage development with glossy, leathery leaves becoming more prominent and dense
Prune lightly to shape and encourage bushier growth. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Mulch around base.
Pre-flowering
2-4 weeksPlant reaches flowering maturity with established branching structure; buds begin to form
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote blooming. Maintain consistent watering. Continue light pruning if needed.
Flowering
4-8 weeksDelicate, small, fragrant flowers appear in clusters; colors range from white, pale yellow, to pink depending on species
Do not heavily prune during flowering. Enjoy fragrance, especially in evening. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Fruiting & Maturity
OngoingSeed capsules develop after flowering; plant maintains full foliage and continues to mature in size
Maintain regular watering and fertilizing schedule. Prune to control size and shape. Remove seed pods if self-seeding is not desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if severe
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Remove by hand, prune heavily infested branches, treat with horticultural oil or neem oil
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, increase air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage beneficial insects
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap
Uses
Ornamental Hedging & Screens
HouseholdPittosporum's dense foliage and tolerance of pruning make it ideal for creating privacy hedges and windbreaks. It can be trained into formal shapes or maintained as an informal screen. [source]
Fresh & Dried Floral Arrangements
CraftThe fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage are prized by florists and home arrangers for both fresh and dried bouquets. The lasting quality of stems makes them suitable for long-term displays. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalSome Pittosporum species have been used in traditional medicine in their native regions for various remedies, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing nectar and pollen resources. Seed capsules provide food for birds. [source]
Specimen Plant & Topiary
HouseholdPittosporum responds well to pruning and shaping, making it excellent for container cultivation and topiary forms. Variegated cultivars add year-round color to gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pittosporum is ornamental and not typically harvested for food. Cut branches for fresh floral arrangements, gathering stems in morning when fragrance is strongest. Branches last 1-2 weeks in water. Collect seed pods in fall if desired for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The genus name Pittosporum comes from Greek words 'pitta' (pitch) and 'sporum' (seed), referring to the sticky seeds that help with plant dispersal
- 🌱 Many Pittosporum species are native to Australia and have adapted to survive in poor soils and dry conditions, making them drought-tolerant once established
- 🌱 Pittosporum tobira, known as Japanese mock orange, produces flowers with a sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening, attracting night-visiting pollinators
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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