Pittosporum tobira Nanum - Japanese Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' is a compact variety of Japanese Pittosporum, with evergreen, thick and glossy green foliage. Its flowering of white bell-shaped flowers, with a fragrance of orange blossom, is more irregular than the species. Its foliage resists sea spray, making it the perfect choice for creating low evergreen hedges in coastal areas.

Pittosporum tobira is native to Japan and belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. The 'Nanum' variety, derived from this slow-growing shrub species, is distinguished by its particularly small size, which does not exceed 1 m (3.3 ft) in height. Bushy, compact and evergreen, it bears dark green leaves, which are alternate, entire, ovate, thick and shiny, and measure 5 cm (2 in) long. The bell-shaped flowers are white, or yellow-green, and are highly fragrant. They measure 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter, and appear in small terminal umbels on the foliage in May.

Hardy up to -7° C (19.4° F), Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' requires a fertile, dry, well-drained and not too chalky soil. It prefers a warm, sunny position, protected from prevailing winds. In areas with cold winter climates, grow it in a pot. Prune in spring to maintain a uniform habit and remove dead or diseased wood. It can withstand severe pruning if necessary.

Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' can be planted in rockeries, borders or in containers on a terrace to enjoy its delicate fragrance.

Tips : Provide good organic fertiliser every year for better flowering. In pots, pruning is almost unnecessary.