Mojo Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Mojo'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Tolerates high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Japan, China, Korea
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Pittosporum tobira, or Japanese Pittosporum, is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves arranged in whorls. It produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring. 'Mojo' is a compact, dwarf variety with attractive variegated foliage. The leaves are a cheerful light green with creamy white to pale yellow margins, providing year-round color and texture.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with well-drained soil and good air circulation.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill with native soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Water regularly until established, then only during dry periods.
Pro Tip
Avoid wet, poorly drained soils, as Pittosporum is highly susceptible to root rot. Plant in raised beds if drainage is a concern.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide excellent drainage.
- Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Prune after flowering to maintain its compact shape.
- Plant in a location with good air circulation to prevent disease.
Don't
- Don't overwater or plant in soggy soil.
- Don't crowd plants; allow for air movement.
- Avoid heavy clay soils unless amended for drainage.
- Don't plant in deep shade.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mojo Pittosporum questions
What zones can Mojo Pittosporum grow in?
Mojo 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 Mojo Pittosporum deer resistant?
Yes — Mojo Pittosporum is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Mojo Pittosporum bloom?
Mojo 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 Mojo Pittosporum need full sun?
Mojo Pittosporum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Mojo Pittosporum drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mojo Pittosporum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Mojo Pittosporum with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
