Pittosporum tobria     
Mock orange   
Pittosporaceae Family     

Form: rounded upright shrub or small tree
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 10-12ft tall with spread equal to height or greater
Leaves: alternate, simple, ovate, entire margin; looks whorled when viewed down branch but is not true whorled pattern; glossy green, underside somewhat lighter, leathery
Flowers: citrus-like scent; terminal cluster of small creamy white flowers, perfect, 5 petaled; bloom in early summer over short period
Fruit: small round berries; new growth overtakes and conceals berries
Stems/Trunks: grayish

view of stem showing pseudo-whorled leaf arrangement

Range/Origin: Japan; long in use as traditional landscape plant
Hardiness: to low teens

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• foundation shrub
• hedge
• small, interesting patio tree
• good in containers
• useful as evergreen in shady locations

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: will take all but the very worst afternoon sun, also does well in shade
• Water: requires regular irrigation (1-2 times per week)
• Soil: uniform, prepared
• Propagation: vegetative cuttings
• Maintenance: low; training to tree shape if desired; shearing if planted in confined space

two examples of Pittosporum tobria

NOTES:

flower form

aka Japanese mock orange

not a true arid plant, but commonly used in Tucson and elsewhere

Many different cultivars available, including 'Wheeler's dwarf' a more dense, compact (to 2ft) version, and 'Variegata' with white-edged leaves

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This page was first created August 24, 2001 and last modified July 4, 2004.

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Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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