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Pittosporum tobira 'Variegata' Variegated Pittosporum

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen


Release Date: 1/15/2024

Reviewed At: 11/11/2023

DOI: 10.32473/edis-fp484-1999

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides an overview of the variegated pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira ‘Variegata’), a popular landscape shrub known for its glossy, creamy white and green variegated leaves. It discusses the plant’s growth habits, including its rapid growth when young and the need for frequent pruning. The document highlights the plant’s ornamental value, particularly when trained as a small tree, and its suitability for various uses such as screens, hedges, and container planting. Additionally, it covers the plant’s environmental tolerances, including its high drought and moderate soil salt tolerance, and addresses common problems such as pest infestations and root rot diseases.  Original publication date September 1999. 

About this Publication

This document is FPS484, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 1999. Revised October 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Edward F. Gilman, professor emeritus; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture; and Gail Hansen, professor, sustainable landscape design; Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Gilman, E. (2024). Pittosporum tobira “Variegata” Variegated Pittosporum. EDIS, 2007(16). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fp484-1999

Authors

Edward F. Gilman
Edward F. Gilman

professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Ryan Klein
Ryan Klein
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, arboriculture, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

Gail Hansen
Gail Hansen
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, sustainable landscape design, UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences

Contacts

Keighly Graves
Keighly Graves
staff
University of Florida

horticultural science specialist, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Claire Lewis
Claire Lewis
Specialist
University of Florida

state specialized agent II and director Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, UF/IFAS Center for Land Use Efficiency

Wendy Wilber
Wendy Wilber
Specialist
University of Florida

state program coordinator and Extension agent IV, UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program

Publication #FPS484