Japanese Mock Orange.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

10 to 15 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 8 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Care

Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings and never let it get soggy, to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil is staying too wet. It's a hardy plant that handles light pruning well to maintain its shape.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.

Pruning

Prune lightly in late spring after flowering to encourage a bushier shape.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container.

Soil

Well-draining, loamy soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

-7 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

All parts of the plant are considered mildly toxic if ingested.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

Keep away from small children as the berries and leaves are toxic if swallowed.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

The strongly scented flowers may trigger mild reactions in those with severe floral allergies.

Edibility

This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

• Glossy, leathery, dark green leaves
• Fragrant, creamy white flowers
• Rounded, dense growth habit
• Rounded, woody seed capsules that split to reveal sticky orange-red seeds

Height

1.5 to 4m

Spread

1.5 to 3m

Leaves

dark green, glossy, evergreen

Flowers

white, creamy yellow, 1 to 2cm

Fruit

brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

• Cottony cushion scale · Small insects that leave white, waxy deposits on stems and leaves.
• Aphids · Tiny insects that cluster on new growth and cause leaf curling.
• Leaf spot · Fungal infection causing dark spots on foliage, often due to poor air circulation.

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring, autumn

Group this shrub with other Mediterranean style plants that appreciate deep, infrequent watering once established.

Grows well with

• Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well draining soil.
• Rosemary · Both plants are drought tolerant and handle coastal conditions well.
• Agapanthus · The strappy leaves of agapanthus contrast beautifully with the glossy foliage of the mock orange.

Similar species

• Kohuhu · A related species with smaller leaves and a more upright habit.
• Japanese Euonymus · Shares a similar glossy leaf texture and coastal tolerance.

Science

Family

Pittosporaceae

Genus

Pittosporum

Order

Apiales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Japan, China, and Korea.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

It grows naturally in coastal areas where its thick, waxy leaves protect it from salt and wind.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

hedging, foundation planting, container gardening, coastal landscaping

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, it thrives in large containers if you provide good drainage.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun but handles partial shade quite well.

How often should I prune it?

Prune it once a year after flowering to maintain its shape.

Where the name comes from

The name Pittosporum refers to the sticky resin surrounding the seeds, while tobira is the Japanese name for the plant.

Good to know

• It is often called Japanese Mock Orange because of its fragrant flowers.
• The name Pittosporum comes from Greek words meaning pitch and seed, referring to the sticky coating on the seeds.
• It is incredibly tolerant of salt spray, making it a favorite for beach gardens.
• The leaves are leathery and tough, helping it survive hot, dry spells.