Yes, pittosporum can grow into a tree. Several varieties of pittosporum are known as “Tall Tree Pittosporum” and can reach heights of up to 30 feet, with a slender trunk and branch shape. These trees are commonly grown for their attractive evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers.
The most popular variety for planting as a tree is Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’, which is a fast-growing, shade tolerant evergreen with dark green glossy foliage marked with creamy white margins. Another tree-form of Pittosporum is Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’, which is a tall and slender variety with white-edged, light green foliage.
Pittosporum trees are best grown in full sun to part shade, in a moist but well-drained soil and regular watering. They can be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain a pleasing and safe form.
What does a pittosporum shrub look like?
A pittosporum shrub is an evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage. It is generally low-growing and typically grows to an approximate height of 6–10 feet and a spread of 6–12 feet. The glossy leaves are oval in shape and grow up to 2 inches long.
The leaves often have small indentations and have a leathery texture. The plant produces fragrant flowers throughout the year, with somes types having white blossoms and others with cream or light purple blooms.
These are quite small but very attractive, and they have a light, citrusy fragrance. In the fall, the plant boasts papery capsules filled with shiny, black seeds that make a great winter ornamental in the garden.
Pittosporum shrubs are evergreen and drought tolerant, making them an ideal choice for a variety of landscaping scenarios.
How tall do pittosporum get?
Pittosporum plants can grow to be quite tall. Depending on the species, they can range from low-growing, mounding varieties that reach a few feet in height to trees that can grow as tall as 30 feet. Of the more than 70 species of Pittosporum, the most commonly found in landscapes is the New Zealand Native Pittosporum tenuifolium, which reaches heights of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of about 8 to 10 feet.
If a Pittosporum is grown in a container, it can stay much shorter; in a pot, it just won’t have the opportunity to reach its full potential.
Where is the place to plant pittosporum?
Pittosporum is a versatile evergreen that grows in most climates, from full sun to full shade. It can be planted in a variety of places in your garden. For example, it makes a beautiful formal hedge when planted in a row, a great visual barrier when used to line a walkway or driveway, and an attractive backdrop when planted against a fence or wall.
It can be easily placed in a small yard or in a large landscape. Pittosporum is also a great choice for a larger pot as an ornamental feature in your garden. It can also be used as an espalier along a wall, allowing it to grow in an unusual and interesting way.
When planted in shade to partial shade, it can provide height and interest with its attractive foliage, while allowing other plants lower in the garden to benefit from more sun. No matter the size of your outdoor space, Pittosporum is an attractive, easy-to-grow plant for many situations.
Can you keep pittosporum small?
Yes, you can keep pittosporum small. Pittosporum, also known as “mock orange,” is a large evergreen shrub that usually grows to 10-15 feet. However, with a few simple steps you can keep this beautiful plant relatively small and even use it as a hedge.
Pruning is the key to keeping pittosporum small. It should be pruned twice a year, once in late winter and again in late summer. During the late winter pruning, remove any weak or dead branches, cutting them back to the stem or branch junction.
In the late summer pruning, cut the branch tips to the desired shape and limit the height to 8-10 feet. Doing this will ensure that pittosporum remains bushy and less prone to splitting. Mulching around the base of the shrub in summer and early fall can also reduce the likelihood of root damage from over-watering.
With proper care, you can keep pittosporum small and attractive for years to come.
Why are my pittosporum dying?
The cause of your pittosporum dying could be due to various factors, such as environmental stress, improper watering, soil type, and pest damage. If your pittosporum is planted in an area that is too sunny or too windy, it may be struggling to maintain healthy foliage.
Too much heat or cold can also cause a pittosporum to decline and die. Additionally, improper watering can also be detrimental; too much or too little water can cause a pittosporum to become stressed or cause it to decline.
In addition, the soil type may by limiting the trees’ ability to take in nutrients and water. Lastly, pest damage could also be a factor; some pests, such as aphids or root-knot nematodes, can cause damage to a pittosporum.
If a pest infestation is the cause, the affected area may need to be treated with a pesticide. Ultimately, in order to determine the cause of your pittosporum dying, it would be best to contact a local gardening expert or arborist who can assess the situation and recommend a course of action.
Which pittosporum is for screening?
Pittosporum is a group of evergreen shrubs and trees with fragrant flowers that is popular for its use in hedging and screening. The most popular species of pittosporum for screening are the varieties in the Tobira or Kodora group, which are dense, fast growing and tolerate pruning well.
Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegatum’ is a great option for screening, as it can grow up to 4m and has white and green variegated foliage that makes it attractive all year round. Pittosporum tenuifolium, or ‘Kohuhu’, is a fast-growing evergreen that is excellent for screening, as it can reach heights of 4-5m and it has glossy, dark green foliage.
Pittosporum ‘James Stirling’ is also great for screening, as it grows up to 4m and has a more upright growth habit than other varieties, which makes it easier to manage. It also has small, dark, glossy leaves.
How do you plant pittosporum?
Planting pittosporum is relatively simple and can be done at any time of the year. First, you need to choose a planting location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Loosen up the soil and dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball of your pittosporum.
Make sure to have the top of the root ball about 1 inch above the surrounding soil. Place the plant in the hole and fill it around the root ball up to the top. Pat down the soil and water it thoroughly.
You can also add mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and help it to establish itself in the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, as pittosporum will not tolerate waterlogged soil.
Once established, it is drought tolerant. With a bit of care and attention, your pittosporum is sure to thrive!.
What goes well with pittosporum?
Pittosporum is an evergreen shrub that is often used as a hedge or as part of a larger landscape design. It is known for its soft, lush foliage and unique growth habits. Due to its appearance, it makes a great addition to many gardens, both in formal and informal settings.
When it comes to plants that go well with pittosporum, there are a few options to choose from. Many flowering shrubs make great companion plants for pittosporum, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias.
These plants bring in a splash of color and contrast nicely with the green tones of pittosporum.
For a more formal look, consider pairing pittosporum with boxwood hedges, or add tall ornamental grasses in the background. This provides the garden with an organized, structured appearance.
Finally, consider adding other evergreen shrubs like juniper, yew, or holly for a more natural look. These plants help to create a lush aesthetic and create a border for pittosporum.
In conclusion, there are a variety of plants that go well with pittosporum. Whether choosing flowering shrubs or evergreens, these plants provide structure and depth to any garden, while still allowing pittosporum to be the star of the show.
When can I trim pittosporum?
Pittosporum can be trimmed any time of year, however the best time of year for trimming pittosporum is when the plant is growing the most actively. Generally, this is between late spring and early fall, when temperatures are warm and the days are longer.
During these months, the pittosporum should be trimmed as new growth occurs so that the healthy growth can be sustained and the shape of your desired look is maintained. To properly trim pittosporum, start at the base of the plant and work your way up, using proper pruning tools such as shears or secateurs.
Remove dead and diseased branches and any thin, weak growth that is not in keeping with the desired shape of the plant. If you do not remove any growth at all, the pittosporum will become overgrown and lopsided.
Finally, strive to maintain a balanced look that maximizes the health of the plant and appears aesthetically pleasing.