Variegated Pittosporum

What climate of weather is best for this plant?

Variegated Pittosporum thrives in warm, temperate climates. It is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10, where it enjoys mild winters and warm summers. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and does well in areas with good air circulation and well-draining soil. Coastal regions and areas with moderate humidity are ideal for its growth, making it a good choice for climates similar to southern coastal areas of the U.S.

My pittisporums froze. I have scraped the limbs but I do not get green when I do that. However, I get white and it seems moist. Will they come back? If so, should I prune them now?

If your Pittosporums have frozen and you're scraping the limbs to find no green tissue, but see white and moist material, it could indicate that the plant still has some viability, but it may have suffered significant cold damage. White and moist tissue can sometimes be a sign of life beneath the bark, but the absence of green suggests the plant is struggling.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Wait Before Pruning: It’s best not to prune the plant right away. Give it some time to recover, especially as new growth might emerge in spring. Premature pruning could stress the plant further.

2. Check for New Growth: Monitor the plant over the next few weeks or months, particularly when temperatures warm up. If you see new shoots or buds forming, that’s a good sign the plant will recover.

3. Water and Care: Keep the plant watered and make sure the soil drains well, but avoid overwatering, especially in cooler temperatures, as the roots could be more vulnerable.

4. Prune in Spring (if Necessary): Once you see signs of recovery, you can prune away any clearly dead or damaged branches. If no new growth appears by late spring, you may need to cut back more severely or replace the plant.

Pittosporums can be sensitive to freezing, but they can sometimes recover if their roots weren’t too severely affected. Patience is key!

What zone for fragrent pittosporum

Variegated Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum'), also known as Mock Orange, is known for its attractive variegated foliage and fragrant flowers. It is best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Growing Conditions:

1. Hardiness Zone:

   • Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum' is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. In these zones, the plant can thrive outdoors year-round.

2. Temperature Tolerance:

   • In Zone 8, winter temperatures can drop to 10-20°F (-12 to -6°C), which is the lower limit of what this plant can tolerate. In Zones 9-11, where winters are milder, it will grow well and may even bloom more profusely.

3. Fragrance:

   • The white flowers of Variegated Pittosporum are fragrant, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. The plant's ability to produce these fragrant flowers depends on adequate sunlight, warmth, and care.

Summary:

If you are looking to grow a fragrant Variegated Pittosporum, it is best suited for USDA Zones 8-11, where it can thrive and produce its characteristic fragrant flowers.

Will this plant be suitable for southwest VA zone 7

Yes, a Variegated Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata') is suitable for Southwest Virginia, which falls within USDA Zone 7. This hardy, evergreen shrub thrives in mild climates and performs well in full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for adding year-round interest to your garden with its attractive variegated leaves and compact growth habit. Ensure the soil is well-draining, and provide occasional water during dry periods to keep the plant healthy.

What zone do they grow in?

Variegated Pittosporum typically grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. These zones offer the mild winters and warm conditions that Pittosporum plants prefer. It thrives in areas with well-draining soil and can handle both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile option for landscaping in warmer climates.

In a freeze should the plant be covered

Yes, during a freeze, it is recommended to cover a variegated pittosporum. These shrubs are sensitive to extreme cold, especially in zones where temperatures drop below their hardiness range. To protect them, you can use frost cloth, burlap, or even a breathable fabric to shield the plant from frost and freezing temperatures. Covering the plant helps insulate it, preventing damage to the foliage and branches during cold snaps. Be sure to uncover the plant once temperatures rise again.

What causes yellowing of leaves?

Yellowing leaves on plants, also known as chlorosis, can be caused by several factors. Here are the most common causes:

1. Watering Issues: Both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaves to yellow. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering stresses the plant and reduces nutrient uptake.

2. Nutrient Deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, can result in yellowing leaves. For example, nitrogen deficiency usually causes older leaves to yellow, while an iron deficiency affects newer leaves.

3. Poor Drainage: Waterlogged soil due to poor drainage can suffocate roots, leading to yellow leaves.

4. Pests or Disease: Insects like spider mites or aphids, as well as fungal or bacterial infections, can damage plants and cause leaves to yellow.

5. Sunlight: Insufficient light or too much direct sun can cause stress to the plant. For shade-loving plants, too much sun may scorch leaves, while light-starved plants may yellow.

6. Soil pH Imbalance: Incorrect soil pH can make it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients. For example, iron absorption is hampered in alkaline soils, leading to yellowing.

7. Temperature Stress: Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can shock the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow.

8. Aging Leaves: It’s natural for older leaves to yellow and drop as part of the plant's life cycle.

Identifying and addressing the specific cause can help restore your plant's health.

hi, I am living in California, nearby San Francisco, do you ship this type of plants in this location? How long does it take? Thanks a lot Mara

Hi! yes we ship in your location. We package and ship out plants every tuesday. It usually takes about a week to make it to its destination. 

If I plant them across the front of my house, how big do they get

Variegated pittosporum can grow to 6–10 feet tall and about 6–8 feet wide under ideal conditions. With pruning, it can be maintained at a smaller size.

What kind of fertilizer?

18-6-8 is the fertilizer we use.