15 gardener saves
Pittosporum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Pittosporum varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedJapanese Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira
#2 most savedVariegated Japanese Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum'
#3 most savedWheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler'
Mojo Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Mojo'
How to grow Pittosporum
What the Pittosporum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Pittosporum year
- PruneJune and July100% of varieties
Requires very little pruning. Shape in late winter if needed.
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Feed with a general-purpose slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October75% of varieties
Plant anytime in fall or spring in well-drained soil.
Do
- Provide good drainage.
- Water deeply but infrequently after it's established.
- Allow it to maintain its natural mounding shape.
- Use it in hot, dry, or coastal locations where other plants struggle.
- Provide good drainage
Avoid
- Do not plant in poorly drained or boggy soils.
- Avoid shearing into a formal shape, which spoils its character.
- Don't overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Do not worry about deer; they tend to leave it alone.
What goes wrong with Pittosporum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Cottony Cushion Scale | White, fluted egg sacs on stems and leaves; sticky honeydew. | Encourage natural predators like vedalia beetles. Use horticultural oil. For heavy infestations, systemic insecticides may be needed. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth, causing distortion. | A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. | Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove and discard infected leaves. Apply a copper-based fungicide if severe. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting, branch dieback, and mushy roots. | Prevention is the only cure. Ensure excellent drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants. |
Making more Pittosporum
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in summer from current season's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a mix of sand and peat.
- Keep moist and humid; rooting can take several months.
Pittosporum questions
How many types of Pittosporum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Pittosporum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 15 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Pittosporum grow in?
Across its varieties, Pittosporum covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pittosporum bloom?
Most Pittosporum varieties bloom in late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pittosporum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Pittosporum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Pittosporum in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
