Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata'
Variegated Mock Orange
Description
A small to medium sized shrub that typically grows to 5 feet tall and as wide (old specimens known to reach 10 feet) with 2 to 5 " long spoon-shaped gray-green leaves with irregular white margins. The spring-blooming creamy-white flowers have a similar fragrance as orange blossoms and green berries that mature to brown with orange seeds follow the bloom. Plant in full sun to shade and irrigate occasionally to regularly - as with most Pittosporum this plant is relatively drought tolerant in coastal California gardens once established but looks best with an occasional deep watering. Hardy to at least 15 F. A very adaptable shrub that will tolerate seaside conditions, inland heat, frost and alkaline soils. Size and shape can be maintained easily by selective trimming but avoid shearing. Useful as a foundation plant or to lightens up dim areas in the garden. Foliage is useful in flower arrangements. We have grown this variegated, evergreen cultivar since 1980 and find it is slower and shorter growing than Pittosporum tobira.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6', 6-12'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Grey Green, White, Variegated
Bark Color
Grey
Fruit Color
Brown, Green
Fruit Season
Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Poisonous
Design Styles
English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Swimming Pool, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.