Deciduous Pittosporum. Can I take it to Portland, Oregon?

11 Nov '05 4:02 pm

Hi,
I need some info on what I think is a deciduous Pittosporum that I have growing in a pot in L.A. It lost all its leaves in October but look healthy and alive so I'm assuming it is deciduous. We are moving to Portland, OR and I'd like to take it with us. Does anyone know if it will survive the winter in Portland - temps down to 35 degrees at night? Many thanks!

11 Nov '05 11:09 pm

Hi, Monica!

Well, I can only help you by copying out of my big book, O.K. :

" Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae):

Genus of evergreen trees and shrubs, grown for their ornamental foliage and fragrant flowers. Frost hardy to frost tender, min. 7C (45F). Does best in mild areas; in cold regions grow against a south or west-facing wall. P. crassifolium and P. ralphii make wind resistant hedges in mild, coastal areas; like forms with variagated or purple leaves , prefer sun. Others will grow in sun or semi-shade. All need well drained soil. Propagate P. dalli by budding in summer, other spacies by seed in Autumn or Spring or by semiripe cuttings in summer."

It goes on by mentioning different varieties of the genus of Pittosporum. In the book there are some photos of different Pittosporums. If I had one of yours, I could probably help you better.

Good luck,

Liza.

P.S. :Especially about Pittosporums in Moosey's Garden:Home, then Garden Articles 2004, then Praising Pittosporums.

16 Nov '05 2:52 pm

Monica according to the Sunset Western Garden Book, Pittosporums are not hardy in Portland Sad

17 Nov '05 7:47 pm

Monica, I've never met a Pittosporum which has dropped its leaves. Those that I grow are all very robustly evergreen. I haven't checked the botanical books, though!

I can't talk about hardy, but I can certainly praise Pittosporums for tolerating neglect and not much water!
cheers

Deciduous Pittosporum. Can I take it to Portland, Oregon?

Deciduous Pittosporum. Can I take it to Portland, Oregon?

About your Pittosporum.