Variegated Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata'
An evergreen shrub featuring glossy, leathery leaves with creamy white margins and dark green centers, arranged in whorls along woody stems.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily.
- Water
- Moderate water needs; allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Drought tolerant once established, but sensitive to waterlogged soil.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen shrub with an upright, rounded growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 6 to 10 feet when planted in the ground, though smaller in containers.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial sun. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry, ensuring the pot drains freely. Use a well-draining potting mix and feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the active growing season in spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily.
Watering
Moderate water needs; allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Drought tolerant once established, but sensitive to waterlogged soil.
Soil
Rich, loamy, or sandy soil with excellent drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, appreciating protection from severe freezing winds.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen shrub with an upright, rounded growth habit, reaching a mature height and spread of 6 to 10 feet when planted in the ground, though smaller in containers.
Bloom season
Late spring to early summer, producing small, bell-shaped, creamy white flowers that emit a pleasant, sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossoms.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or summer, treated with rooting hormone and placed in a humid environment.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Pests such as aphids and scale insects may occasionally appear; treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps.
Similar species
Euonymus japonicus 'Variegatus', which can be distinguished by its opposite leaf arrangement compared to the whorled leaves of Pittosporum.