Japanese pittosporum - Pittosporum tobira (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Japanese pittosporum

Also known as: Japanese mock orange, Australian laurel

The name of the japanese pittosporum can be deceiving. It is not a true orange plant, it instead gets its name from the fact that the highly fragrant flowers have a distinct citrus scent. The flowers don’t last for a long time, only about two weeks, but the dark evergreen foliage is attractive all year long and the plant makes a great addition to a border or as a stand-alone plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira)

Carrots, ivies and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

6 m to 10 m

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1 cm to 1.2 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Yellow

Fruit Color

White, Yellow, Cream

Flower Color

Green, Yellow, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Japanese pittosporum

Distribution of Japanese pittosporum

Distribution Map

Japanese pittosporum is native to East Asia, from Vietnam to Japan, where it grows in coastal regions with sandy or clay soil. It has been introduced in China, the Mediterranean, and the US, primarily along the southeast coast and California, where it is used in ornamental gardening and as a houseplant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests, Limestone areas, Slopes, Sandy seashores, Roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

It has strong resistance to toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide.

Garden Use

Japanese pittosporum is an evergreen shrub commonly found in gardens. It is prized for its orange scent and the unusual arrangement of its dark green leaves. Its dense and compact shape makes it suitable for foundation planting, low hedges, or screens. Japanese pittosporum is appropriate for Mediterranean-style and coastal gardens. Plant with Smokebush or Cranesbill for textural and color contrasts.

Symbolism

Deceit, falsehood, something is wrong

Name Story

Japanese cheesewood: It has the word cheesewood in its name not for the reason that it looks like a tree that grows cheese or it produces a cheese-like scent. It is called cheesewood because of its wood appears to look like a yellowish-white cheese. Also, it is originated from Japan, so it is commonly called Japanese cheesewood.

Japanese mock orange: This plant will blossom a tree full of flowers and its white flowers look lovely and cute, even the scent it produces felt aromatic. When you walk pass the plant, you will definitely smell the sweet orange flower scent. Hence, it is called the Japanese mock orange.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Japanese pittosporum, including the following common varieties :

Japanese pittosporum 'Nanum'Japanese pittosporum 'Variegatum'

Toxicity

Japanese pittosporum is a non-toxic, pet-friendly shrub. Contains saponins, which can cause discomfort if ingested in large amounts.

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Quickly Identify Japanese pittosporum

Creamy-white flowers with orange scent; 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in size.

Pear-shaped green capsules transitioning to brown; 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm).

Thick, leathery leaves with obovate shape; 1.5-4 inches (3.8-10 cm) long.

Dense, mounding growth habit up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.

Smooth, thick stems with sympodial growth; 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) diameter.

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Care Guide for Japanese pittosporum

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Japanese pittosporum thrives in moderate climates with consistent moisture and prefers well-drained soil. Watering should occur every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly between sessions. As an ornamental shrub, it benefits from mulching to retain moisture and protect against temperature extremes.

Fertilize: Japanese pittosporum thrives with balanced fertilizers in spring and summer for vigorous growth, utilizing a high nitrogen mix every 6 weeks. In autumn, reduce feeding to assist dormancy preparation. Ensure minimal winter fertilization for stability, maintain proper application methods, and avoid fertilizing during extreme heat or drought.

Pruning: Prune japanese pittosporum in spring for optimal health. For trees, ensure stems are spaced and shape by cutting suckers. For hedges, reduce new growth and shape from the third year. For shrubs, remove weak branches and cut main branches to maintain size, cutting 0.25 inch from outward-facing branches.

Propagation: Japanese pittosporum is a resilient, evergreen shrub featuring glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers. Propagation through semi-hardwood stem cuttings is effective. Use cuttings with multiple leaf nodes, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-drained soil, maintaining humidity and indirect light for successful rooting.

Repotting: Japanese pittosporum thrives when repotted every 2-3 years in spring. Use a slightly larger container to support foliage without risking root rot. After repotting, place japanese pittosporum in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture, ensuring good drainage for healthy growth.

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Images of Japanese pittosporum

Distribution of Japanese pittosporum

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Japanese pittosporum

Care Guide for Japanese pittosporum

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