Also known as Australian Laurel · Japanese Laurel · Japanese Mock-Orange
Pittosporum tobira, or Japanese cheesewood, is a dense, evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers, ideal for hedges and coastal gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Protect from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained loam, sand
50% intensity
Moderate to Warm
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C. Can tolerate brief periods of frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer. Do not fertilize in fall/winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Trim to maintain desired shape and size, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve air circulation. Heavy pruning can be done to rejuvenate older plants.
Avoid pruning in late summer to allow hardening off for winter.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into well-draining potting mix and keep moist. Alternatively, sow seeds in spring, but germination can be slow and irregular.
Layering is also an option for successful propagation.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 3-4 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a slightly larger pot.
Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Japanese Cheesewood (Pittosporum tobira)
Where Japanese Cheesewood (Pittosporum tobira) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Pittosporum |
| Species | Pittosporum tobira |
Similar in genus Pittosporum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
