Pittosporum crassifolium

Pittosporum crassifolium is an easy to care for evergreen shrub that prefers full sun and regular watering. It's a resilient plant that tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for seaside and marshy environments. This species of Pittosporum is an ideal looking to add some vibrancy and texture to your garden, particularly if planted in groups. Growing best in USDA hardiness zone 9-11, the Stiff Leaf Cheesewood can thrive in warm and cold climates alike.

In terms of care, Pittosporum crassifolium is a fairly low maintenance shrub. For optimal growth, they should be watered around 1-2 times per week. In warmer climates, the plant will require a moderate amount of water, whereas cooler climates can get away with less frequent watering. Pruning should be done before flowering, which generally occurs in late winter or spring. This will help encourage new growth while also keeping the shrub at a manageable height.

If grown in colder regions, Pittosporum crassifolium can be planted in a container and kept indoors. When kept in a pot, it is best to water the plant about once a week or so when the soil is dry. Pruning should also be done in the winter or early spring. The plant should be given plenty of sun, either by putting it outside during the day or placing it in the sunniest window. When kept in colder climates, it's important to check the soil from time to time, as it can be relatively soggy during rainy periods or excessively dry during winter. Finally, be sure to give your shrub some fertilizer as needed in order to promote healthy growth.

Pittosporum daphniphylloides

A large evergreen shrub with bold leathery foliage up to 23cm long and dense rounded clusters of sweetly scented, soft-yellow, small flowers in spring. Its leaves are much larger than those of the common pittosporum, six to eight inches long and two to three inches wide.

Pittosporum heterophyllum

Pittosporum hosmeri, Pittosporum amplectens

Pittosporum hosmeri (Kona Cheeswood) is a large shrub or small tree native to Hawaii. It can grow to 5-10 feet tall, with a spread of up to 8 feet. Its leaves are long and narrow, up to 10 inches long, and they are dark olive green. Its bark is reddish-brown and smooth.

Pittosporum hosmeri prefers full sun or semi-shade and requires regular or moderate water depending on the climate it is grown in. It does best in USDA Zone 9-11, and can be grown in colder climates in containers. In areas that experience frost and cooler temperatures, it is best to bring the container indoors before winter sets in. To help protect the plant from the cold, provide some protection such as a winter cover or grow in a sheltered area.

When given the right conditions and care, Pittosporum hosmeri can produce off-white, sweetly-fragrant flowers from late winter to early summer. The flowers appear in clusters of 9 to 12 and are arranged in an umbrella-pattern.

To encourage blooms, and keep Pittosporum hosmeri healthy, be sure to prune and groom it regularly - removing dead and damaged branches in early spring and pruning to shape in the summer. Pittosporum hosmeri is a slow-growing plant and very tolerant of pruning, so take time to carefully trim to the desired shape. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring, and give a light trim after flowering. Pittosporum hosmeri is drought tolerant, but may require supplemental water during long dry spells.

Pittosporum moluccanum, Pittosporum timorense

Pittosporum pentandrum

Pittosporum phillyraeoides, Pittosporum angustifolium

Plants tolerate much wetter conditions in cultivation than they experience in their native habitat.

Pittosporum ramiflorum

Pittosporum rhombifolium

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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However it is called Diamond Pittosporum due to the shape of the leaves. It is generally inconspicuous until it flowers - when the whole tree becomes a mass of white - and then the tree becomes orange due to the enormous volume of orange fruits.

Pittosporum sp.

Pittosporums are a popular choice for those looking to add greenery and texture to their landscapes. These large shrubs can grow up to 20 feet under ideal growing conditions, making them perfect for creating hedges, screens, and accenting pathways. Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, the Pittosporum genus is known for its hardiness and versatility in terms of soil and light requirements.

One of the standout features of Pittosporums is their ornamental value. With a profusion of small white or off-white fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months, these evergreen plants are sure to add a pop of color to any garden. The foliage is also attractive, with a glossy and dark green hue that has a leathery texture. Depending on how they're pruned, Pittosporums can grow into a low-maintenance hedge or a more wild-looking small tree.

Pittosporums are quite drought-tolerant once established, making them a great option for those with busy schedules. They can tolerate full sun to semi-shade and will do best with regular watering. The species can grow in USDA zones 9-11. In colder regions, they can also be grown in containers indoors, as long as they're provided with plenty of light and water.

When growing Pittosporums in a container, keep the soil moist but not soggy. In colder regions, use cold-protection measures like applying a thick layer of mulch in the winter. Be sure to prune the plant in the fall to avoid breakage in heavy snows or ice.

Pittosporums are an excellent choice for adding color and texture to gardens and landscapes. Their hardiness and versatility make them ideal low-maintenance plants that can grow in a variety of climates and soils. With regular care and protection from cold temperatures, the Pittosporum genus will thrive for years to come.

Fun fact: The genus is named after their sticky seeds, from the Greek meaning "pitch-seed".