Pittosporum tobira - Japanese Pittosporum

The Pittosporum tobira is a compact, highly floriferous bush with thick, shiny green evergreen foliage. It is covered in white bell-shaped flowers with a hint of orange fragrance. It is used as a hedge by the seaside, as its foliage resists salt spray.

Originally from Japan, the pittosporum forms a dense bush that reaches a height of 4 to 5m (13.1 - 16.4ft) and is hardy down to -5°C (23°F). It has evergreen, alternate, entire, ovate, thick, shiny, dark green leaves 5cm (2in) long. The white or yellowish-green bell-shaped flowers are highly fragrant, with a diameter of 3cm (1.2in), and appear in terminal umbels on the foliage in May.

The slow-growing Pittosporum tobira requires fertile, dry, not too chalky, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny, and protected position, sheltered from prevailing winds. It is best to cultivate it in a pot when the winter climate is too cold. In spring, before the vegetation resumes, it can be pruned to maintain a harmonious shape and remove dead or diseased wood. It can withstand severe pruning if necessary.

The Pittosporum tobira can be planted in borders, as a topiary, in a Mediterranean hedge, paired with oleanders, bottlebrushes, cassias, and myrtles, or in a container on a terrace to enjoy its delicate fragrance.

Tip: Apply organic fertilizer annually for better flowering. In a pot, pruning is almost unnecessary.