Hymenosporum flavum

RHS Plant Profile
native Australian frangipani

Other common names

native honeysuckle, sweetshade

Synonyms

Pittosporum flavum

Shrubs Trees

A tender evergreen shrub to mid-sized tree, that can reach up to 20m in its native habitat, but more commonly grows to 8-10m high in cultivation. Leaves are lance-shaped and glossy, dark green, and often clustered at the tips of the branches. Clusters of fragrant flowers, opening cream and developing to golden yellow sometimes streaked with summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

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
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Guinea to E Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

In milder areas, may be grown outdoors as a specimen tree, in humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Young plants need winter protection; mature plants may survive short spells around 0°C if shoots are well-ripened in summer. In colder areas, grow under glass in a conservatory or temperate greenhouse, in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by layering in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 1 or 8; hard pruning is tolerated. May need restrictive pruning if grown under glass

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free