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Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ (Mock Orange)

Mock Orange, Dwarf Japanese Mock Orange, Dwarf Japaense Pittosporum, Pittosporum tobira 'Nana', Australian Laurel 'Nanum'

Hebe Rakaiensis,  Shrubby Veronica, Rakai Hebe, Evergreen Shrub, Small Shrub, Dwarf Shrub, Golden Dome Hebe

Compact, Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ or ‘Nana’ (Japanese Mock Orange) is a small, broadleaf evergreen shrub featuring attractive, leathery, dark-green leaves, glossy on the top and with lighter undersides. They are arranged alternately in a whorl around the stem and provide a dense foliage year-round. Clusters of delightfully fragrant, small pure white flowers appear in late spring at the branch tips. Their sweet orange scent gives rise to the common name Japanese Mock Orange. They contrast beautifully against the handsome background of dark green foliage and last for several weeks, before gradually fading to creamy yellow. 

Easy to care for and durable, this shrub is a favorite of gardeners. Plant one near your patio and enjoy its heavenly perfume!

  • Long-lived, this pittosporum is a moderate to fast grower if provided adequate nutrients and water. Will grow up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm) in an upright rounded form with its branches radiating out from around the stems.
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in average, slightly acidic, moderately fertile, medium moisturewell-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. This plant is very adaptable and will grow in most soils except for those that are constantly wet. The Japanese pittosporum is also salt tolerant, so it is a great choice for seaside plantings.
  • Rarely affected by pests or disease, but watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs, or leaf spot.
  • Requires little maintenance. Regular trimming may be needed to maintain a compact shape, create formal hedges and topiary
  • Propagate by cuttings and seeds
  • Very versatile, this plant is perfect for beds and borders. Well suited to coastal gardens and small gardens. May be clipped to a low formal hedge, similarly to Boxwood. Its compact size allows container planting. Where not winter hardy, plants should be overwintered in greenhouses or sunrooms. The beautiful evergreen foliage and ability to produce scented flowers indoors make this plant a desirable green houseplant.
  • Native to China and Japan, but used as an ornamental in mild climates throughout the world.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 12
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Pittosporaceae
Genus Pittosporum
Common names Mock Orange
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tandara Gold’ (Kohuhu)
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Victoria’ (Kohuhu)
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Queen’ (Kohuhu)
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’ (Kohuhu)
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’ (Kohuhu)
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Elizabeth’ (Kohuhu)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’ (Cranesbill)
Cotinus coggygria (Smokebush)
Rosa ‘Felicia’ (Hybrid Musk Rose)
Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf)
Artemisia ludoviciana (White Sage)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Eremurus (Foxtail Lily)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 12
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Pittosporaceae
Genus Pittosporum
Common names Mock Orange
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Pittosporum to pick?
Compare Now

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