Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegatum’

The variegated form of Pittosporum tobira is slightly less hardy and considerably less vigorous (as with all variegated plants) than the type (Horti-speak for the non-variegated form) but also tends to be both earlier to flower and more prolific in flower which is no bad thing.

Pittosporum tobira’s tough leathery leaves and remarkable drought resistance makes it particularly well suited to coastal regions. Suitable for sun or light shade. As with most drought resistant plants, its drought resistance is due to its ability to find water rather than to exist without it, therefore, if grown in a pot keep it well watered since its completely dependent on you. The beautifully scented flowers last from around mid May to mid June and the hotter and sunnier the position, the more it will flower. Not bad as a pot plant as long as it’s kept the same size by clipping. This is best done after flowering in late June. In mild London or coastal gardens it can be clipped into an excellent hedge.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.

Hardiness level Amber

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IF IT HAS A AMBER TRAFFIC LIGHT

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Hardy in the Home Counties if sensibly sited (avoiding severe frost pockets, for example). Many Amber Labelled Plants are from cuttings from well-established plants that have survived many harsh winters in the South-East.

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.