Japanese Mock Orange Mock Orange Tobira Japanese Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira (Pittosporaceae) is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub or small tree native to Japan and China. It grows 10 to 12 feet tall and wide, with leathery, dark green leaves arranged in whorls at the branch tips. Clusters of creamy white flowers in spring are intensely fragrant, with an orange-blossom-like scent.

Japanese pittosporum grows in full sun to part shade on well-drained soil. It tolerates salt spray, making it useful for coastal plantings. Once established, it handles moderate drought. The cultivar 'Variegata' has gray-green leaves edged in creamy white on a smaller plant (5 to 6 feet). The species is tender and may suffer damage below about 15 degrees F. Hardy in Zones 8a to 8b.