Pittosporum are evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, leathery leaves and small, often fragrant, 5-petalled flowers, followed by spherical, woody fruits splitting to reveal seeds embedded in sticky pulp.  Larger varieties grow into substantial specimen shrubs and smaller varieties can be trimmed into neat hedges.

Site and Soil
Easy to grow in fertile, moist but well-drained, soil. May need protection in colder climes especially from cold, drying winds. Plant in full sun for the best leaf effect.

Water and Pruning
Needs regular watering, weekly, or more often in extreme heat.
Requires minimal pruning in mid-spring when the new season’s growth has started. Growth should be trimmed back or thinned only if necessary.

If the plant has become too untidy or is neglected it can be hard pruned in mid-spring.
If you are growing it as a hedge you can trim it back both in mid-spring and in midsummer.

Feed
Young plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development.
Fertilisers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. It is best to avoid fertilising late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather.

Pests and Diseases
Pittosporum are generally pest free but susceptible to powdery mildews and leaf spot.