Collection: Pittosporum Plants

Pittosporums are evergreen shrubs or small trees with attractive foliage and scented flowers. They’re very versatile plants, ideal for use as hedging and topiary, in borders or grown in pots.

Pittosporum originates from New Zealand and Asia, but thrives in the UK climate. They’re fully hardy and depending on the variety, can withstand temperatures right down to -10°C.

The best place to plant your pittosporum is in a sunny, sheltered spot, although they also do well with a little partial shade. Make sure you plant yours away from harsh winds, as these can damage the foliage.

Pittosporum prefers a fertile, well drained soil but can tolerate most types, even sandy soil. Avoid clay soils and any waterlogged beds, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.

Water your pittosporum regularly when it’s newly planted, and for the first year. Once it’s established itself and had the chance to grow a good root system, it’ll be pretty drought tolerant. This means that you’ll only have to water during hot or dry weather.

To encourage healthy growth and nice bright foliage, feed your plant in early spring with a balanced, slow release plant food. Don’t overdo it though, as overfeeding can lead to excessive but weak growth.

Pruning your pittosporum lightly will help to keep it in good shape and encourage bushier growth. This should be done in later winter to early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches completely, then thin out areas of dense growth to promote good air circulation.

Pittosporum looks lovely in containers, especially trimmed into neat shapes. Go for a large pot with drainage holes in the bottom, and use well draining potting mix or compost. Bear in mind that shrubs grown in pots will need more regular watering than those in the ground.

Pittosporum makes a great hedging plant, as it has the perfect combo of pretty foliage and a dense growth habit. Use it on its own or mix it with other shrubs for a more informal looking hedge.

Pittosporum has quite a fast growth rate, at around 30-60cm per year depending on the variety, growing conditions and weather.