shrub RHS Award

Variegated Japanese Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable, tolerates salt spray

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Pittosporum tobira is a tough, adaptable, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to Japan and China, valued for its dense, glossy foliage and intensely fragrant spring flowers. The 'Variegatum' cultivar is cherished for its attractive, leathery, gray-green leaves that are irregularly margined with creamy white. This variegation brightens the landscape and provides a striking contrast to the fragrant, creamy-white flowers.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The variegated foliage provides bright, year-round color and a coarse texture that contrasts well with finer-leaved plants. In spring, the shrub is covered in clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that perfume the entire garden with a scent remarkably similar to orange blossoms.

Its high tolerance for salt spray, drought, and a variety of soil types makes it an incredibly tough and reliable choice for coastal and urban landscapes. It can be used as a foundation plant, a standalone specimen, or massed to create a dense, informal hedge or screen.

The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent cover and potential nesting sites for birds throughout the year.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun or light shade with well-drained soil.
This plant is highly adaptable and requires little soil preparation.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Water regularly for the first year, then only during prolonged drought.

Pro Tip

Reversions to solid green foliage can occur; prune out any all-green branches as soon as they appear to maintain variegation.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good drainage; it's essential for plant health.
Prune after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once established.
Plant in a location with good air circulation to deter pests.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in soggy, waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to leggy growth.
Don't shear into a tight, formal shape, as it spoils the natural form.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can reduce flowering.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright informal screen or hedgeLuminous foundation plantingDurable accent for coastal gardens

Companion Plants

Agapanthus africanus Lantana camara Phormium tenax 'Sundowner' Rosmarinus officinalis Cordyline australis 'Red Star'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Variegated Japanese Pittosporum questions

What zones can Variegated Japanese Pittosporum grow in?

Variegated Japanese 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.

Is Variegated Japanese Pittosporum deer resistant?

Yes — Variegated Japanese Pittosporum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Variegated Japanese Pittosporum bloom?

Variegated Japanese Pittosporum 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 Variegated Japanese Pittosporum need full sun?

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

Is Variegated Japanese Pittosporum drought tolerant?

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