Plant FAQs: Variegated Pittosporum

Variegated Pittosporum | Monsteraholic

What is Variegated Pittosporum?

Variegated Pittosporum, to me, is a versatile shrub with striking green and cream leaves. It brings a lot of visual interest to my garden with its unique foliage. Plus, it’s fairly low maintenance, which is a big plus in my book.

 256 Species in Genus Pittosporum

Is Variegated Pittosporum poisonous to dogs?

I remember being really worried about my dog getting into the garden and chewing on plants. I looked it up and found out that Variegated Pittosporum is actually toxic to dogs. So, I made sure to keep it in a spot where my dog couldn’t easily reach it, just to be safe.

Does Variegated Pittosporum grow in shade?

When I was planting my Variegated Pittosporum, I was relieved to learn that it can grow in shade. My garden doesn’t get full sun all day, so knowing it could still thrive in partial shade was a huge plus for me. It’s done really well in the dappled light under some larger trees.

How fast does Variegated Pittosporum grow?

I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how quickly my Variegated Pittosporum has grown. It started off as a small shrub, but within a couple of years, it had filled out nicely. I’d say it grows at a moderate pace, definitely not slow, which was great for filling in my garden space.

How much sun can Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum take?

My Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum seems to really enjoy the sun. It gets direct sunlight for several hours a day and hasn’t shown any signs of burning or stress. From my experience, it can handle quite a bit of sun as long as it’s not too intense or prolonged.

How tall does Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum grow?

The Dwarf Variegated Pittosporum in my garden has stayed relatively small, which I love. It’s grown to about 3 feet tall, making it perfect for borders and small hedges. I appreciate how it maintains a neat, compact shape without getting too unruly.

How to prune Variegated Pittosporum?

Pruning my Variegated Pittosporum has been pretty straightforward. I usually do it in late winter or early spring. I trim back any overgrown branches to keep its shape and remove any dead or damaged parts. It’s been easy to maintain with just a bit of regular pruning each year.

Is a Variegated Pittosporum a mock orange?

I always thought the Variegated Pittosporum looked and smelled a bit like a mock orange, but they’re actually different plants. While they both have a similar fragrance and attractive foliage, the mock orange is in the Philadelphus genus, not Pittosporum.

Is Variegated Pittosporum evergreen?

One of the reasons I chose Variegated Pittosporum for my garden is because it’s evergreen. I love having greenery throughout the year, and this plant keeps its beautiful variegated leaves even in the winter, which adds nice color when most other plants have gone dormant.

How to propagate Variegated Pittosporum?

To propagate Variegated Pittosporum, I first take semi-hardwood cuttings from the plant, usually around late summer to early autumn. I look for healthy, disease-free stems and cut them to about 6 inches long, making sure each cutting has several leaves. After that, I remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, I plant the cuttings in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. I cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, placing it in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight. It takes a few weeks to a couple of months for roots to develop, and I keep a close eye on them, misting the cuttings regularly. Once they’ve established strong roots, I gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting them in their permanent location.

What to plant with Variegated Pittosporum?

When thinking about what to plant with my Variegated Pittosporum, I opted for companion plants that complement its colors. I planted it alongside some dark-leaved heucheras and purple salvias, which create a nice contrast and add more depth to my garden design.

Where to buy Variegated Pittosporum?

I remember finding my Variegated Pittosporum at a local nursery. They had a good selection and healthy plants. If you’re looking to buy one, I’d recommend checking out local garden centers or nurseries, or even looking online at reputable plant retailers.

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