Pittosporum tobira

Description

Pittosporum tobira

Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese cheesewood or Japanese pittosporum, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia. This attractive plant is valued for its glossy foliage and fragrant flowers. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 metres, forming a dense, rounded shape that can be easily maintained through pruning.

The leaves of Pittosporum tobira are dark green, leathery, and obovate, clustered at the ends of the branches. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that open from yellow buds. These blossoms are notably fragrant, often described as having a sweet, orange-blossom-like scent that can perfume the entire garden.

Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this Pittosporum is adaptable to various soil types and is particularly valued in coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt spray. It’s an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or as a specimen plant, offering year-round interest with its evergreen foliage and sweetly scented spring blooms.