Pittosporum tobira

RHS Plant Profile
Japanese pittosporum

Other common names

Australian laurel, house-blooming mock orange

Award of Garden Merit
Houseplants Shrubs

A dense, broad, slow-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub with leathery, glossy, obovate leaves, and large terminal umbels of small sweetly-scented flowers opening white, soon turning yellow, in late spring and early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Pittosporaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Far East

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect from cold drying winds. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)