Pittosporum eugenoides Variegatum

Pittosporum eugenoides Variegatum, sometimes locally called Lemonwood, is a large evergreen shrub from New Zealand, not very hardy, but with many qualities, which should make it very welcome in our gardens spared by heavy frosts. Much less known than its relative Pittosporum tobira, widely planted as a hedge on our Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, this lemonwood offers even more fragrant spring flowers and a more elegant variegated scented foliage than that of its cousin. Resistance to drought and cold for these two species are comparable, and they appreciate the same growing conditions. Very useful in a dry or seaside garden, this pittosporum grows quickly and can withstand pruning. It can be inserted into an informal hedge or a large shrub bed.                                             

Pittosporum eugenoides Variegatum is a shrub from the Pittosporaceae family. Its non-variegated ancestor is native to the mountains of New Zealand. Rather conical in its early years, it eventually forms a large dense and oval bush, even a small tree reaching 5 to 6 m (16 to 20ft) in height and 3 to 4 m (10 to 13ft) in width. Its dimensions will be more modest and its growth will be slower in Mediterranean areas. Its bark is grey. Its black-coloured branches bear bright olive green leaves margined with creamy white edges. They are alternate, entire, ovate, thin but leathery, with undulate edges. They are medium-sized, reaching 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) in length and 2.5 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in width. When crushed, the leaves release a strong citrus fragrance, which has earned this bush its nickname of lemonwood. Flowering occurs from late April to June, depending on the climate. The small flowers, 5 to 6 mm (1in) in diameter, pale yellow-green in colour, emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of honey. They are gathered in clusters that appear at the end of the branches and are followed in autumn by the formation of a few fruits. These are small ovoid capsules, about 3 to 7 mm (1in) long. The name Pittosporum comes from the Greek pitta, resin, and sporos, seed. 

Hardy down to -10 °C in well-drained soil, Pittosporum eugenoides Variegatum requires a light, fertile soil, not too wet in winter, a warm position, sunny or even shaded in the afternoon in hot climates, and protected from cold and dry winds. It tolerates salt spray, which allows it to be used in a seaside garden. It can also be planted at the back of a flower bed. To accompany it, consider other Pittosporums (P. heterophyllum, daphniphylloides, tobira Variegatum), Pistacia lentiscus, Olearia, Mytus, Oleander, escallonias... A little further from the sea, it will also accompany Eleagnus, Pineapple Broom (Cytisus battandieri) or the Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia).