Variegated Pittosporum is a compact, evergreen bush. Small white flowers adorn it with a fantastic orange-blossom scent in the spring. It is great as a shorter border plant or can be used as a privacy hedge. It prefers full sun-part shade, well draining moist soil, but once established it is drought tolerant.
How to care for Variegated Pittosporum
Light. Full sun to partial shade.
Water. Water while it establishes; after that it handles occasional drought. It cannot take wet soil: root rot kills plants where water collects, such as under gutters.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sandy, acidic or alkaline soil. On high-pH soil, micronutrient deficiencies show in the leaves.
Size. Grows to about 8 ft; left unpruned it can reach 10–12 ft and spread wider than tall.
Pruning. Young plants grow fast and need frequent trimming. Start shearing early if you want a formal hedge. Prune after spring bloom to keep the fragrant flowers.
Problems to watch. This variegated form is quite prone to leaf spot. Cottony cushion scale and aphids also attack it; treat with Insecticidal Soap.
Good to know. Highly salt tolerant, it grows right up onto ocean dunes.
Sources: UF/IFAS Ask IFAS (EDIS): FP484 Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata' Variegated Pittosporum · UF/IFAS Ask IFAS (EDIS): FP483 Pittosporum tobira Japanese Pittosporum
