Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira · Pittosporaceae
📷 Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around pittosporum and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, glossy dark green
- Flowering
- May to June, small fragrant white flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 3 m tall and wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, Mediterranean to mild temperate climate
- Origin
- Japan, China
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Requires well-drained soil, avoid waterlogged conditions. Plant in full south-facing exposure and leave it untouched for several years to develop its natural form.
The common mistake
Gardeners tend to overwater it thinking they're helping, when in fact it tolerates dry spells very well and suffers from root rot if waterlogged.
The pro's trick
Plant on a slight mound or in raised soil if your ground tends to be humid: the roots stay healthier and more vigorous this way.
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, Pittosporum tobira tolerates drought well and only needs moderate watering. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. In containers, effective drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Exposure
Place your Hottentot's Tree in full sun to achieve a compact form and abundant flowering. It also accepts partial shade, but growth will be less dense. Protect it from cold, drying winds, especially in northern regions.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering (June-July) to maintain a harmonious, dense shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. This species accepts well being trained as a ball or informal hedge, but avoid severe pruning that weakens the shrub.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer applied in spring is generally sufficient. For container plants, apply a light monthly feed during the growing season. Prefer diluted formulas to avoid overloading the foliage.
Soil preparation
Prepare soil rich in organic matter, well-drained and slightly acidic to neutral. Mix in quality potting soil or compost at planting. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture and promote root rot.
Diseases and pests
Pittosporum tobira is generally robust. Watch for scale insects and spider mites, particularly indoors or in hot, dry climates. Excess humidity combined with poor ventilation can encourage fungal problems. Intervene quickly at the first signs of trouble.
Did you know?
The common name 'Hottentot's Tree' (Khoikhoi in South Africa) refers to a historical confusion: although Pittosporum originates from Asia, colonial botanists associated it with arid South African regions. In Italy and the Mediterranean, it's called 'Japanese Pittospore,' and its cream-white flowers release a sweet fragrance that strongly attracts pollinating insects in the height of summer.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- TawhiwhiPittosporum tenuifolium
- Chinese PittosporumPittosporum heterophyllum
- Bursaria spinosaBursaria spinosa
- Billardiera scandensBillardiera scandens
- Pittosporum angustifoliumPittosporum angustifolium
- CamelliaCamellia japonica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.