Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum', commonly called variegated Japanese mock orange, is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub prized for its glossy grey-green leaves edged in creamy white. The colourful foliage brightens shaded corners and provides a cool, marbled backdrop in mixed beds throughout the year.
In late winter to spring it produces clusters of small white-to-pale-yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance reminiscent of orange blossom. Tolerant of heat, coastal salt and a range of soils, it is a low-maintenance choice for Indian gardens, suiting formal hedges, foundation plantings and large containers on balconies and terraces.
Specifications
| Family |
Pittosporaceae |
| Native region |
Japan, China and Korea (East Asia) |
| Mature height |
1.5-3 m (kept lower with trimming) |
| Mature spread |
1.5-2.5 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Evergreen; glossy grey-green leaves with creamy-white margins |
| Flower colour |
White to pale yellow |
| Flower season |
Late winter to spring (Feb-Apr in India) |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical; thrives in plains and hill stations |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun to partial shade; variegation is brightest in good light but afternoon shade helps in hot plains. |
| Watering |
Moderate; water when the top 3-5 cm of soil dries. Drought-tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging. |
| Soil / mix |
Well-drained loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost; tolerates a wide pH range and coastal salt. |
| Temperature |
Best at 15-32 C; tolerates brief dips near 0 C and heat up to ~40 C with adequate water. |
| Humidity |
Adapts to most humidity levels; thrives in both coastal and inland conditions. |
| Fertilizer |
Feed a balanced NPK or compost in spring and again after the monsoon; avoid over-feeding. |
| Pruning |
Trim after flowering to shape; responds well to clipping for formal hedges and topiary. |
| Repotting |
Repot container plants every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger, well-drained pot. |
| Propagation |
Semi-hardwood stem cuttings in monsoon or spring; rooting hormone improves success. |
| Pests & problems |
Generally pest-free; watch for aphids, scale, mealybugs and occasional sooty mould. |
| Toxicity / safety |
Generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets; not listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant list. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
<ul><li>Clipped evergreen hedges, screens and formal borders</li><li>Foundation and foliage planting to brighten shaded corners</li><li>Large containers for balconies, terraces and entrances</li><li>Coastal and seaside gardens due to salt tolerance</li><li>Topiary and low-maintenance landscaping</li></ul>
Growing tips
<p>Plant at the start of the monsoon (June-July) so roots establish before the dry season. In the hot plains, give it some afternoon shade and a thick mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.</p><p>Trim lightly after the spring flush to maintain shape and encourage dense, well-coloured growth. Feed with compost in spring and post-monsoon, and ensure sharp drainage in pots to prevent root rot during heavy rains.</p>
