Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) Pittosporum tobira
Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) (Pittosporum tobira) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Pittosporaceae family, native to Southern Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, fruit
Saponins in the seeds and fruit can upset the stomach; not a common poisoning risk.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese mock orange (pittosporum)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Japanese mock orange (pittosporum)
- How far apart should I plant Japanese mock orange (pittosporum)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft).
- Does Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese mock orange (pittosporum)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) flower?
- From about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese mock orange (pittosporum) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Saponins in the seeds and fruit can upset the stomach; not a common poisoning risk.
- What grows well with Japanese mock orange (pittosporum)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese mock orange (pittosporum). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy whorled leaves and orange-blossom-scented creamy flowers in spring; a classic seaside hedge that shrugs off salt spray.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tarata (lemonwood) Pittosporum eugenioides
- Kōhūhū Pittosporum tenuifolium
- Native frangipani Hymenosporum flavum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius