Pittosporum

  • Pittosporum

    Pittosporum

    Common Name:

    Pittosporum

    Pittosporum Flowers

    General Information:

    Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or small trees. They have thick, glossy, dark grey, leathery leaves. Flowers are rather small and creamy white in colour. At maturity they produce a leathery fruit called a capsule. They are quite tolerant of salt sprays and strong winds common along coastal regions.

    Family:

    Pittosporaceae

    Lighting:

    They will tolerate full sun and will thrive in shaded areas.

    Temperature:

    Will tolerate temperatures of twenty degrees F or less without noticeable injury.

    Watering:

    Adequate water to keep from drying out. Feeding: General purpose fertilizer.

    Pruning and wiring:

    The tree has no particular natural form making it a candidate for informal upright.

    Propagation:

    May be propagated by tip cuttings. Seeds are difficult to obtain and viability is usually poor. Grafting is useful.

    Repotting:

    The tree needs annual repotting and may be severely root pruned. The soil should be well draining.

    Pests and diseases:

    Cottony-cushion scale. Spray with agricultural oil.

    Species suitable for bonsai:

    Pittosporum tobira.

    Pittosporum tobira variegatum - resembles P. tobira in all respects except for its thinner leaves variegated with white.

    Pittosporum viridiflorum.

    Bibliography:

    Brevard County Extension Office, Cocoa FL.

    Compiled by Thomas L. Zane