Do Variegated Pittosporum Grow Less in the Shade?

Identification

• Native to Japan, Korea and China, Japanese pittosporum and its cultivar variegated pittosporum are winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, though they may grow best in the more limited range of zones 9 and 10. Although Japanese pittosporum can grow to a height of 10 to 15 feet and a spread of 12 to 18, variegated pittosporum is more compact, growing to only 5 or 10 feet. White blooms in April and May can sometimes get lost among the foliage, or be pruned off while training the tree.

Light Requirements

• Although variegated pittosporum grows in both sun and shade, it does not prefer sunny sites. It may even grow a little better when given light afternoon shade, but will not do well in full or deep shade. You may also grow pittosporum indoors, or grow it in pots outside during summer and overwinter it inside. If so, place it in a well-lit greenhouse or sun-room with plenty of bright light. Light should be indirect, however, as it won’t do well inside in full sun. You can also grow it as a houseplant year-round.

Culture

• Although once established, variegated pittosporum is low maintenance. It may require some pruning while young to train it to a manageable form. Try to establish an open, branched form that will allow air circulation and light for a specimen shrub, or plant on 4- to 5-foot centers for massed hedges. Variegated pittosporum will tolerate a range of soil types, but prefers a slightly acidic growing medium. Although it likes a medium amount of water, it will rot if planted where water accumulates or drainage is poor.

Garden Uses

• Variegated pittosporum works well as a foundation planting, border shrub, hedge or screen when planted en masse, or planted singly as a specimen plant in the garden. If carefully trained, it will grow nicely into a small tree for use near decks or patios. Outside its hardiness range, you can grow it indoors year-round or during colder winter months before transitioning back outside.