Species

Pittosporum tobiraJapanese Pittosporum

4 other cultivars

shrub

Japanese Mock Orange

Pittosporum tobira 'Nana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tobira is a robust evergreen species native to East Asia, characterized by leathery, whorled foliage and small, highly fragrant flowers that resemble orange blossoms. It adapts readily to coastal environments, demonstrating high tolerance to salt spray and maritime winds.

'Nana' is a dwarf, slow-growing cultivar that forms a dense, naturally rounded mound reaching two to four feet in height and width. Its glossy, dark-green leaves emerge as a bright lime-green, providing a distinct two-toned foliage effect in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with glossy evergreen foliage and highly fragrant spring blossoms.

Offers exceptional salt and wind tolerance for challenging coastal landscapes.

Supports bees and general insect pollinators with nectar-rich flowers.

SpeciesPittosporum tobiraJapanese Pittosporum

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water deeply to settle.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant in exceptionally well-drained soil; waterlogged roots quickly succumb to Phytophthora root rot. Avoid shearing this dwarf selection into rigid geometric shapes, which destroys the natural mounding habit and removes the old-wood buds required for spring flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Apply a balanced, slow-release ornamental shrub fertilizer in early spring.
Perform light tip-pruning immediately after the early summer flowering finishes.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay soils that retain winter moisture or in low-lying, poorly drained areas.
Do not shear heavily into old, leafless wood, as bare stems rarely resprout.
Do not overwater, as wet feet trigger fatal root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low hedges and bordersCoastal and seaside gardensFoundation plantingsContainer specimens for patios

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lantana camara Salvia greggii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Mock Orange questions

What zones can Japanese Mock Orange grow in?

Japanese Mock Orange is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Mock Orange deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Japanese Mock Orange, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Japanese Mock Orange bloom?

Japanese Mock Orange typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Mock Orange need full sun?

Japanese Mock Orange does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Japanese Mock Orange drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Mock Orange handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.