PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA

Description and Characteristics

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Mock Orange, is a dense, evergreen shrub renowned for its glossy dark green foliage, rounded habit, and highly fragrant white flowers. Native to Japan and China, it is widely used in landscaping for its toughness, ornamental value, and versatility in hedging, topiary, or foundation planting.

The leaves are leathery, oval, and dark green with a glossy finish, arranged in attractive rosettes at the ends of branches. In late spring to early summer, clusters of white, citrus-scented flowers appear, resembling orange blossoms—hence the common name. The blooms mature to a creamy yellow, adding subtle variation and charm.

This shrub typically reaches 2–3 metres tall and wide, but can be pruned to maintain a more compact size or shaped into hedges and screens. Pittosporum tobira is valued for its wind and salt tolerance, making it especially suitable for coastal gardens and urban landscaping.

• Evergreen shrub with shiny dark green, leathery leaves

• Fragrant white flowers from May to June, maturing to pale yellow

• Height & spread: 2–3 m, easily pruned or shaped

• Excellent for hedges, foundation planting, containers, and coastal gardens

• Tolerates heat, drought, salt spray, and urban conditions

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Pittosporum tobira is low-maintenance and resilient, thriving in a wide range of conditions. It is best suited to mild climates, particularly in coastal or sheltered inland locations.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun to partial shade

  • Foliage is densest and flowering most profuse in full sun

  • Tolerates some shade, especially in hotter climates

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in well-drained, moderately fertile soil

  • Tolerates a range of soil types: loam, chalk, sand, or light clay

  • pH adaptable: neutral to slightly alkaline or acidic

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly in the first season to establish roots

  • Once established, highly drought-tolerant

  • In containers, water during extended dry periods

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in spring

  • Mulch annually with compost or leaf mould to improve soil health

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Requires minimal pruning, though it responds well to shaping

  • Trim in late spring or after flowering to control size and encourage dense growth

  • Can be clipped for formal hedges, topiary, or kept informal

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 8–10 (RHS H4–H5)

  • In colder areas, may need shelter from cold winds and frost

  • Mulch around the base in autumn in exposed gardens

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Design Benefits

Pittosporum tobira is a versatile, structural plant perfect for low-maintenance, coastal, or Mediterranean-style landscapes. Its fragrance, foliage, and toughness make it ideal for both functional and ornamental uses.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent for hedging, screens, architectural planting, or foundation beds

  • Perfect for urban courtyards, patio borders, and coastal gardens

  • Can be trained into topiary spheres or standard trees

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Rosmarinus, Salvia, Agapanthus, and Phormium

  • Contrasts beautifully with grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Festuca glauca

  • Complements other evergreens like Euonymus, Viburnum tinus, or Choisya

• Container Use:

  • Excellent for large pots or planters in sunny spots

  • Use peat-free, well-drained compost with added grit

  • Keep trimmed and watered for a neat container specimen

• Wildlife and Sensory Value:

  • Fragrant flowers attract bees and pollinators in spring

  • Aromatic foliage and bloom scent make it great for sensory gardens

  • Dense growth offers nesting habitat and shelter for small birds

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Rarely affected by aphids or scale insects

  • Ensure good drainage and avoid root rot in heavy soils

• Size
  2 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.