How to Grow Australian Laurel
iNaturalist
Australian Laurel
Pittosporum undulatum
treePittosporum undulatum is a fast-growing, evergreen tree native to southeastern Australia, reaching 30-40 feet tall with glossy, lance-shaped leaves and fragrant creamy-white flowers. It produces attractive orange seed capsules and is popular as an ornamental and screening plant in temperate climates. The plant is valued for its dense foliage, elegant form, and tolerance of various growing conditions.
When should you plant Australian Laurel in your zone?
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Example Australian Laurel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Australian Laurel
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 Australian Laurel
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; best suited to warm temperate and subtropical climates
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Get my Australian Laurel timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Nursery Stage
6-12 monthsYoung plant with developing true leaves, soft stems, and emerging branch structure
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds. Provide filtered sunlight initially.
Establishment
1-2 yearsRapidly growing sapling with thickening main stem, expanding canopy, and establishing lateral branches
Water deeply and regularly. Stake if needed for wind protection. Prune to establish desired form. Fertilize monthly during growing season.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing, 2-5+ yearsVigorous upright tree with dense foliage, glossy green lance-shaped leaves, and well-developed branch structure
Continue regular watering. Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove crossing branches. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
Flowering
4-8 weeks, typically springTree displays abundant small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in terminal clusters; blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Maintain consistent watering. Do not prune heavily during flowering season.
Fruiting/Seed Pod Development
3-4 months (summer through fall)Orange or reddish seed capsules develop after flowers fade, becoming increasingly decorative and attractive through summer and fall
Allow seed pods to mature for ornamental display. Seed pods naturally split when ripe to release seeds. Clean up fallen seeds if self-seeding is not desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in early spring. Prune heavily infested branches. Encourage natural predators.
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Control underlying insect pests. Wash affected foliage with water and mild soap solution. Improve air circulation through pruning.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Prune affected shoots. Maintain plant vigor with proper watering and fertilization.
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Increase humidity by misting foliage. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if severe.
Uses
Ornamental screening and windbreak
HouseholdThe dense, fast-growing foliage makes Pittosporum undulatum excellent for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, and hedgerows. It quickly establishes tall, attractive barriers suitable for large-scale landscaping. [source]
Floral arrangements and foliage design
CraftThe attractive glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers make excellent additions to cut flower arrangements and floral designs. The distinctive foliage lasts well in water. [source]
Fragrance source
HouseholdPittosporum undulatum produces pleasantly scented flowers in spring that emit a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, making it valued for gardens where aromatic plants enhance the landscape. [source]
Bird and pollinator habitat
WildlifeThe flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while the seed pods provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Shade and shelter tree
HouseholdOnce established, Pittosporum undulatum provides dappled shade and shelter in temperate gardens, moderating temperatures and creating comfortable microclimates. [source]
Harvest Tips
Pittosporum is an ornamental tree, not typically harvested. Seed pods can be collected in fall when they turn orange-red and begin to split naturally. Foliage can be cut for floral arrangements. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape without reducing next year's blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pittosporum undulatum is native to rainforests of southeastern Australia and is sometimes called 'native daphne' due to its fragrant flowers resembling those of Daphne species.
- 🌱 The plant's name comes from Greek words meaning 'pitch' (pitto) and 'seed' (spora), referring to the resinous coating on its seeds.
- 🌱 In some regions, Pittosporum undulatum has become naturalized and is considered invasive due to its rapid growth, prolific seeding, and ability to outcompete native vegetation.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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