Pittosporum dallii Seeds | Pittosporum
LATIN NAME: Pittosporum dallii
COMMON NAME: Pittosporum
Plant Profile
Pittosporum dallii, commonly known as Pittosporum, is a compact shrub in the pittosporum family. Pittosporum scents rounded, compact shrub with glossy, dark-green leaves with wavy edges and small, cream-white, honey-scented flowers that open in loose clusters through spring, woody, two-valved capsules with sticky orange seeds following. Flowers scent air around shrub, and foliage keeps neat, glossy form. It stands wind and dry spells well. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
As part of the pittosporum family, Pittosporum dallii contributes to research on plant classification and adaptation, while nurseries and gardeners continue to trial it for cultivation. In pittosporum family, wind-hardy shrubs have a recognised place in studies of coastal garden plants, and dallii species appears in research on flower scent chemistry and wind tolerance. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Pittosporum has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In coastal and sheltered garden, pittosporum scents spring air with the honey. Cream flowers feed bees, glossy, wavy-edged foliage keeps neat form, and shrub makes dense hedge and the windbreak. It stands wind and dry spells well and grows in well-drained ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Pittosporum hedges are fragrant, tough and salt-tolerant; some Asian species appear in folk medicine, but in gardens they are structure plants.
Growing from Seed
Pittosporum grows readily from seed. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray partial shade. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Given the right start, Pittosporum is a long-term garden companion. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Pittosporum often pair it with these related subjects: