Pittosporum eugenioides

Pittosporaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees

PITTOSPORUM

These plants are valued primarily for their foliage and form, though they also bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, often sweetly fragrant flowers followed by fairly conspicuous fruits the size of large peas. All are basic, dependable plants with pleasing outlines when allowed to branch naturally. Prune periodically to enhance form, thinning out weak branches and wayward shoots. Some make good clipped hedges. Excellent for screens,windbreaks. Susceptible to aphids and scale insects; sooty mold on leaves is a sign of infestation.Ripe fruits (usually orange) split open to reveal sticky seeds; fallen fruit can be a nuisance on lawns, paving.

Pittosporum eugenioides

From New Zealand. To 20–40 ft. tall, 15–30 ft. wide. Often seen as a high hedge or screen plant; unpruned, becomes a tree with a curving gray trunk. Yellow-green to medium green, wavy-edged, lance-shaped, 2–4-in.- long leaves. Fragrant yellow flowers in spring. Set 1 1/2ft. apart for a hedge; force bushiness by shearing 2–6 in. from tops of plants several times each year between midwinter and early fall. A form with foliage edged in creamy white grows just 10 ft. tall; it needs partial shade in hottest climates.