Shrub
Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
GreenPittosporum tobiraVariegatedPittosporum tobiraTen Golf BallPittosporum tenuifoliumMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
#2MonroviaFrom$64.95
3 galFrom$14.95
#5MonroviaFrom$99.95
7 galFrom$39.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow to Moderate
Mature size10-15 feet × 8-12 feet (standard); 3-4 feet (dwarf cultivars)
About Pittosporum
Japanese pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira) is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub native to Japan, China, and Korea, with thick, glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of creamy-white flowers bearing a strong orange-blossom fragrance in spring. It is extensively used as a hedge, foundation planting, and coastal specimen due to its tolerance of salt and drought. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White, Cream
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grows well in full sun to partial shade; full sun encourages more compact growth while part shade is tolerated. Avoid deep shade, which causes leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established; water moderately during establishment. Excellent drainage is critical — pittosporum is very susceptible to root rot in poorly drained or constantly wet soils, a common failure point in Florida foundation plantings.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils but must be well-drained. Fertilize lightly with a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which encourages excessive growth and requires frequent pruning. Prune after spring flowering to maintain shape.
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Common questions
Is Pittosporum a good plant for St. Augustine?
Pittosporum is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 10-15 feet × 8-12 feet (standard); 3-4 feet (dwarf cultivars).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.