tree

Weeping Pittosporum

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum angustifolium, commonly known as weeping pittosporum or gumbi gumbi, is an evergreen Australian tree featuring a graceful, pendulous habit with weeping branches. It is widely distributed across arid and semi-arid inland regions, where it grows in dry sclerophyll forests, mallee scrub, and along ephemeral watercourses.

This species is highly distinguished by its narrow, leathery, grey-green leaves and sweetly scented, yellow-to-cream flowers that appear from winter to spring. The blooms are followed by vibrant orange, capsule-like fruits containing sticky seeds that are highly attractive to native birds but toxic if ingested.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a graceful, weeping habit with pendulous branches and highly fragrant winter-to-spring yellow flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant and frost-hardy, making it an excellent windbreak or specimen tree for dry inland climates.

Provides nesting sites and shelter for insectivorous birds, while flowers attract native bees and birds consume the seeds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

315 inches

Width

157 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, avoiding low-lying areas where water pools.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of similar depth, ensuring the soil is loose to encourage deep root penetration.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base, and water in thoroughly to settle the soil.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Plant this species well away from pipes and foundations, as its delicate weeping canopy belies an exceptionally aggressive, deep-searching root system.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water young plants regularly until established, then reduce watering to a minimum.
Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Prune young plants early to establish a strong central leader.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils without significant sand or loam amelioration.
Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood, as it does not readily reshoot.
Do not plant near underground pipes, septic systems, or delicate garden infrastructure.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeWindbreakScreeningArid GardenNative Garden

Companion Plants

Acacia aneura Eremophila species Eucalyptus caesia Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Pittosporum questions

What zones can Weeping Pittosporum grow in?

Weeping Pittosporum 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.

When does Weeping Pittosporum bloom?

Weeping Pittosporum typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Weeping Pittosporum need full sun?

Weeping Pittosporum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Weeping Pittosporum drought tolerant?

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