Japanese pittosporum is a hearty evergreen shrub beloved for its near-indestructible nature. This reliable grower is typically used as a landscape hedge or as part of a mixed border, where its rich green foliage and petite white blooms provide visual interest and texture. Japanese pittosporum has stiff branches and a dense, broad-spreading habit that takes to pruning well. Plant it in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates drought, salt spray, and other less-than-ideal growing conditions, thriving in almost every instance.
Japanese Pittosporum, Mock Orange Overview
Where to Plant Japanese Pittosporum
For best results, plant your Japanese pittosporum shrub in a location that boasts full sun or partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Native to China and Japan, the plant does well in soil with a variety of different pH levels, including both acidic and alkaline. When planting Japanese pittosporum in an especially hot climate, it can be helpful to mulch around the base of the plant for extra moisture retention.
Japanese pittosporum is a popular choice for coastal landscapes, thanks to its ability to withstand drought, heat, and salt spray. Plant it en masse as a privacy hedge or woodland border, or use it in pots to add interest to a patio or deck.
How and When to Plant Japanese Pittosporum
Japanese pittosporum is best planted in late winter or early spring when temperatures in its growing zones are milder. That said, the hearty shrub can typically be planted with success year-round in its proper growing zones.
To plant a nursery specimen, dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Slide the plant out of the nursery container and gently loosen the roots before putting the shrub in the hole with the crown of the plant sitting slightly above soil level. Backfill the hole with garden soil, pressing down lightly to compress it and remove air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly.
Because Japanese pittosporum is a fast-growing shrub, you'll want to ensure proper spacing of 4 to 5 feet between specimens so they can reach their full size potential.
Japanese Pittosporum Care
For such a beautiful flowering shrub, Japanese pittosporum is surprisingly easy to care for. As long as you plant it in the proper location, the plant is fairly self-sufficient and will thrive even under tougher environmental circumstances, like drought, high heat, and salt spray.
Light
Japanese pittosporum does best when planted in a location that boasts full sun for at least six to eight hours a day (though it can handle more). While the shrub will continue to grow if located in the shade, you'll notice a decrease in the amount of blooms it produces. Light can also influence the overall shape of the shrub. If grown in the sun, it will take on a dense, sprawling shape similar to a hedge; a location in the shade will result in a plant that grows more like a traditional tree.
Soil and Water
If there's one thing to get right when caring for Japanese pittosporum, it's the plant's watering cadence. While the shrub prefers to be watered consistently, it should never be overwatered—Japanese pittosporum is very susceptible to wet feet and will fail to thrive quite quickly if planted in poorly draining soil. For best results, water the plant at the root zone to prevent the dense leaves of the plant from developing mildew or another foliar disease.
Japanese pittosporum can grow in any type of soil—from clay to loam to sand—as long as it's well-draining. If planting the shrub in a pot or container, use a mix of perlite and peat. To help retain moisture in especially hot climates, put a layer of mulch over the roots at the base of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Japanese pittosporum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10, in a variety of different climates ranging from drought and high heat to seaside mist. Similarly, humidity doesn't matter as much for this plant, though you'll want to keep an eye out for fungal diseases in especially moist climates, given the shrub's overall density.
Fertilizer
As a blooming shrub, Japanese pittosporum can benefit from yearly fertilization, though it is not mandatory. If you choose to fertilize your plant (which can be especially useful during its younger years), do so in the spring using a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer. Follow product instructions for amount and frequency.
Pests and Problems
Though Japanese pittosporum is known to be a relatively low-maintenance plant, the shrub is susceptible to several different pests and diseases. One of the largest issues gardeners have to contend with is root rot, which can easily occur if the plant gets too much water or does not have the opportunity to dry out in between waterings. If you notice yellowing leaves or weakened plant structure, that's a good sign that your shrub may be experiencing root rot.
Beyond moisture issues, Japanese pittosporum can also play host to common pests like aphids, scale, and mealybugs. It's also beloved by deer and birds and may attract pollinators like bees closer to your home when in bloom.
How to Propagate Japanese Pittosporum
Japanese pittosporum is best propagated using a semi-hardwood cutting, taken from the bottom portion of the plant. You can propagate the plant at any point in the summer or early fall, though the latter is often a better option in especially warm areas.
Your cutting should be between 4 and 6 inches in length from the lower portion of the plant, from the current season's growth and featuring fully formed leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, then dip the cut end of the plant into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into a small pot filled with peat moss and sandy soil, keeping it moist and under indirect light until the cutting has begun to root and has grown new foliage. This typically happens around the four-week mark and can be confirmed by giving the plant a gentle tug—if you're met with resistance, that's a good indication the cutting has rooted. At this point, the cutting can be moved out to your garden, where it should be watered frequently until established.
Types of Japanese Pittosporum
There are several different types of Japanese pittosporum. They include:
Wheeler's Dwarf
An incredibly popular varietal, this shrub is beloved for its petite size and shiny dark green leaves.
Variegata
This subtly striped type of Japanese pittosporum features gray-green leaves with creamy white borders and smaller flowers.
Turner's Dwarf
The small mounding varietal boasts apple green leaves with a white outline and insignificant white flowers.
Japanese Pittosporum Companion Plants
To make the most of your Japanese pittosporum shrubs, plant them alongside other hearty perennials that can tolerate the same condition and accentuate the plant's bushy nature. Some popular options include:
Sedge
THE SPRUCE / KRYSTAL SLAGLE
Sedge is a sprawling grass-like mounded plant that comes in various complementary colors and variegations. Hardy in zones 3 through 10, sedge is a great way to bring visual interest to the ground level of your garden while Japanese pittosporum fills the space above.
Catmint
An equally tough perennial, catmint touts the same allure to pollinators that Japanese pittosporum does. Dotted with light purple flowers, it thrives under the same conditions as Japanese pittosporum, requiring a similar watering cadence and exposure to sunlight.
Hydrangea
Because hydrangea and Japanese pittosporum both tend to prefer well-draining soil, the two can be teamed together nicely in a garden. Both plants have similar hardiness zones (hydrangea can tolerate zones 3 through 9) and requirements when it comes to water and sunlight. That said, both plants can grow rather large, so it's important to space them apart properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to winterize my Japanese pittosporum shrub?No—because the plant is grown in warmer climates (USDA zones 8 through 10), it will not require special care during its off-season, which can range from late fall to early spring.
No—because the plant is grown in warmer climates (USDA zones 8 through 10), it will not require special care during its off-season, which can range from late fall to early spring.
- How many Japanese pittosporum shrubs do I need for a privacy border?When using Japanese pittosporum to create a privacy border or hedge, the exact number of plants you'll need will depend largely on the size of hedge you're aiming for. You should plan to leave 4 to 5 feet of space in between each shrub for growth.
When using Japanese pittosporum to create a privacy border or hedge, the exact number of plants you'll need will depend largely on the size of hedge you're aiming for. You should plan to leave 4 to 5 feet of space in between each shrub for growth.