Photo of Pittosporum illicioides flower, foliage by Riz Reyes

Photo by Riz Reyes

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Pittosporum illicioides

Also Known As

  • Pittosporum sahnianum

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 6'-15'
  • W: 6'-12'

planting zones

  • 7b-11

Pittosporum illicioides plant details

Pittosporum illicioides is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer green, white and yellow flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pittosporum illicioides

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: pittosporaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 12 FT - wide, 6 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: green, white and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: fragrant, textural, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pittosporum illicioides

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A narrow growing upright shrub to 10’. The foliage is deep green and narrow. This evergreen shrub comes from Taiwan and makes a graceful plant.
A hardy pittosporum, the hardiest we know, having withstood winter rigors of -8 °F, lower USDA zone 6, in North Carolina. And it's handsome, too, an evergreen shrub, to 6-8' tall x 4-6' wide, with fragrant, pale yellow flowers in spring. Although now placed by some within P. illicioides, we know that our plant, from the JC Raulston Arboretum, is smaller with wider leaves. Summer water in full sun to medium dappled shade and well-drained soil. A pittosporum to enjoy with no worries about weather.

Gardening facts about Pittosporum illicioides plant

How to Grow Pittosporum illicioides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • yellow
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Fruit

    • orange
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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