Japanese Pittosporum Pittosporum tobira
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Japanese Pittosporum or Mock Orange has a robust and dense appearance, with a rounded and compact shape. Its evergreen foliage gives it a lush, glossy look, with leaves that are leathery in texture. The leaves themselves are a deep green color on the top, contrasting with a lighter green underside, and they have a shape that resembles a spoon, broad at the end and narrowing closer to the stem. Blooming primarily in the late spring to early summer, this plant produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers. These flowers are quite fragrant, and their scent is reminiscent of orange blossoms, hence one of its common names, Mock Orange. After flowering, the Japanese Pittosporum may produce small, inedible fruits which start out green and mature to a woody brown capsule. Its form and the dense foliage make it a popular choice in landscapes for hedges and screening. Its ability to withstand various conditions including coastal environments makes it a versatile plant for different settings. Its attractive appearance is accompanied by an ease of maintenance, contributing to its popularity in garden designs.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Pittosporaceae.
Synonyms
Japanese Pittosporum, Japanese Cheesewood, Australian Laurel, Mock Orange, Tobira.
Common names
Pittosporum tobira, Pittosporum heterophyllum, Citriobatus multiflorus, Euonymus tobira, Ilex tobira, Pittosporum argyi, Pittosporum floribundum, Pittosporum tobira var. angustifolium, Pittosporum tobira var. variegatum, Tobira japonica, Tobira orbiculata.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese cheesewood is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, if ingested, parts of the plant can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the Japanese cheesewood plant.
To pets
Japanese cheesewood can also be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, if ingested. The plant contains saponins which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly depression. It is recommended to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these potential adverse effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Pittosporum tobira, also known as Japanese mock orange, requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: The plant is highly tolerant of drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used for hedges, screens, as a foundation plant, or in containers.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers that enhance garden beauty.
- Evergreen Foliage: Retains its leaves all year, providing constant greenery in the landscape.
- Coastal Tolerance: It is salt-tolerant and can be grown in coastal areas.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Wind Resistance: It can serve as a windbreak due to its sturdy nature.
- Shade Tolerance: The plant can thrive in partial shade situations.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Pittosporum tobira has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anxiolytic: Some compounds from the plant have been reported to possess sedative and anxiolytic effects.
- Antimicrobial: The plant has been studied for its potential antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.
- Antioxidant: Extracts of Pittosporum tobira may have antioxidant properties, attributed to the presence of specific phenolic compounds.
- Expectorant: It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions, acting as an expectorant to ease coughing.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese Mock Orange, is often utilized as a bonsai plant for its aesthetic foliage and ability to be pruned into various shapes.
- The dense foliage of Japanese Mock Orange makes it an effective sound barrier when planted in groups, reducing noise pollution from roads and other sources.
- With its tolerance for salt spray, Japanese Mock Orange is used in coastal landscaping to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion.
- Japanese Mock Orange's wood is fairly hard and can be used for making small wooden objects or in woodturning projects.
- The plant is used in perfumery for its sweet, orange-blossom-like fragrance when in bloom, especially in scented sachets and potpourris.
- Juice from the leaves of Japanese Mock Orange has been used traditionally to make a natural glue.
- As an evergreen shrub, Japanese Mock Orange provides year-round greenery for gardens, hedges, and as a privacy screen.
- The dense and robust nature of the shrub makes it suitable for use in topiary gardens, where it can be sculpted into artistic shapes and forms.
- Landscape designers value Japanese Mock Orange for its drought resistance, often including it in xeriscaping designs to reduce the need for irrigation.
- Because Japanese Mock Orange can grow well in containers, it is frequently used to decorate terraces, patios, and other outdoor living spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese cheescake, is known for its hardy nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
- Peace: With its sweet-smelling flowers, the Japanese pittosporum is often associated with peace and tranquility, offering a sense of calm to those who encounter it.
- Protection: In some cultures, the dense foliage of the Japanese pittosporum is seen as a protective barrier, symbolizing shelter and safety.
WaterThe Japanese Pittosporum should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In general, this might mean watering approximately once a week during the growing season, depending on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Reduce the frequency of watering in the cooler months to every two to three weeks to prevent overwatering. A good method is to check the soil moisture by feeling the soil a couple of inches below the surface; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Adult plants typically require about 1 gallon of water per watering session to ensure the root zone is sufficiently moistened.
LightThe Japanese Pittosporum thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It is adaptable but prefers a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, while also doing well in areas with dappled shade throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to reduced vigor and leaf density.
TemperatureJapanese Pittosporum tolerates a wide temperature range but prefers coastal climates with moderate temperatures. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is generally temperature hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10.
PruningJapanese Pittosporum benefits from pruning to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or remove damaged branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Annual pruning is often sufficient, but occasional trimming throughout the year can be done to tidy up the plant as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Mock Orange (Pittosporum tobira) thrives best in well-draining and fertile soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5). A good soil mix would be part potting soil, part coarse sand or perlite, and a bit of peat or humus to retain some moisture and provide nutrients.
RepottingJapanese Mock Orange should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it has become root-bound, typically observed when roots are growing through the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Mock Orange prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as the soil moisture is well-managed.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid cold drafts.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as "Japanese Mock Orange," begins with seed germination, where conditions of warmth and moisture trigger the emergence of roots and shoots. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants, characterized by the rapid growth of foliage and a strong root system establishment. After reaching maturity, which can vary but often takes several years, the plant begins its reproductive phase, marked by the production of fragrant white flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. These flowers, once pollinated, develop into small seed capsules that eventually open to release seeds, thus completing the cycle. In the absence of major disturbances, the plant can exhibit repeated annual flowering and seeding, living for numerous years as an evergreen shrub or small tree. Pruning and environmental stresses can impact the timing and extent of these stages, influencing the plant's longevity and overall health.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: One of the most popular methods for propagating Pittosporum tobira, commonly known as Japanese pittosporum or mock orange, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is typically in late summer after new growth has begun to mature and harden slightly. To successfully propagate by cuttings, select a healthy branch and cut a 4 to 6-inch piece, making sure at least two sets of leaves are present. Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the node where the leaves were removed is buried. Place the cutting in indirect light and maintain consistent moisture without making the soil soggy. Roots usually develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, at which point the new plant can gradually acclimate to more direct light and eventual planting in the garden.
