The short answer

Quick Answer

Pittosporum thrives in full sun or partial shade or full shade on clay soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 2 to 4m depending on variety. Hardy to around -8°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late spring after any risk of frost. Trim to shape through summer

How: Trim with secateurs or shears. Avoid cutting into old bare wood

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: New Zealand

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Brought to the UK in the 1800s. Became popular in mild coastal gardens and increasingly used inland in sheltered positions

Folklore: In New Zealand, Maori people used the wood of related species for tools and weapons

Fun fact: The flowers of pittosporum are intensely scented at night, attracting moths in their native New Zealand

Historical medicinal uses: None significant

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Moths visit the night-scented flowers [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Dense evergreen cover for birds and insects[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 Year-round foliage. Small dark purple flowers in May with intense honey scent[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with photinia, choisya and other evergreen shrubs in mixed borders

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Leaf spot, occasionally cushion scale. See RHS pittosporum page

Invasive note: Not invasive

CGM care note

Pittosporum can be scorched by cold winds. We avoid planting in exposed frost pockets and prefer Tom Thumb and Silver Queen which are slightly hardier than the species.

CGM guides mentioning Pittosporum

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Pittosporum and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Pittosporum

How Pittosporum fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Yew (English Yew), suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Privet, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Beech, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Hornbeam, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Cherry Laurel, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance
  • Escallonia, suitable for hedging, similar growth habit and pruning tolerance

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Pittosporum.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Pittosporum are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Pittosporum (Pittosporum tenuifolium). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Pittosporum. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Pittosporum tenuifolium. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Pittosporaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Chandler GT, Plunkett GM, Cayzer LM, Gemmill CEC (2007). Molecular systematics of Pittosporaceae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 43(1), 95-112.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Pittosporaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, pruning, seasonal_highlight.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Pittosporum. The pollinator description above ("Moths visit the night-scented flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Dense evergreen cover for birds and insects") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Year-round foliage. Small dark purple flowers in May with intense honey scent".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Moths visit the night-scented flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Pittosporum's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Dense evergreen cover for birds and insects") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Pittosporum. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Pittosporum's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Pittosporaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Pittosporum. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Pittosporum. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Pittosporum. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Pittosporum. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Pittosporum. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Pittosporum. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Pittosporum. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Pittosporum performs well locally

Towns where Pittosporum is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover