Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sweet pittosporum on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Pittosporaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Sweet pittosporum
Pittosporum undulatum, commonly known as Sweet Pittosporum or Victorian Box, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia. It is notable for its dense, glossy green foliage, wavy leaves, and highly fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring, filling the air with a sweet orange blossom scent. It is ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or as a standalone specimen in Mediterranean and coastal gardens.
Native range
Australia
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, provided they are well-drained. Watering should be regular during the first few years and in dry periods, reducing it once established. It is drought and salt-tolerant but sensitive to hard frosts when young; a common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Sweet pittosporum
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning leaves falling off, droopy appearance, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure no waterlogging. Prune dry branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, leading to root rot. Also severe frosts if young.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't fully rotted and watering issues are corrected promptly.