Pittosporum

Common Name:

Pittosporum

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