Shrub
Dwarf Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf' · Pittosporaceae
Also called: Wheeler's Dwarf Mock Orange, Japanese Mock Orange, Dwarf Tobira
Dwarf Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf') is a moderate-water shrub well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It grows to 2-3 ft tall and 3-5 ft wide, with a slow to moderate growth rate.
Dwarf Pittosporum at a glance
- Water use
- Moderate (established)
- Sun
- Filtered shade to partial sun in Tucson; tolerates morning sun but needs afternoon shade or eastern/northern exposure to avoid leaf scorch and sunburn in the low desert.
- Mature size
- 2-3 ft tall and 3-5 ft wide
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Bloom
- Creamy white to pale yellow (sparse on this dwarf form), Spring (April-May); fragrant, orange-blossom-scented but blooms sparingly compared to the species
- Cold hardiness
- Frost-sensitive below about 20-25°F; foliage can be damaged by hard Tucson freezes. Hardy in USDA 8b-11.
- Soil
- Adaptable but prefers well-drained soil; tolerates Tucson's alkaline clay if drainage is good. Improve heavy soils with organic matter at planting.
- Native range
- Species native to Japan, China, and Korea; this is a cultivated dwarf selection.
- Best used as
- Low foundation planting, Massed groundcover-style shrub, Low informal hedge or border, Container plant, Shaded courtyard filler
- Wildlife
- Fragrant flowers attract bees and some pollinators; not a significant wildlife plant.
- Toxicity
- Generally considered low toxicity; not on major serious-toxin lists, but berries/seeds may cause mild GI upset if ingested by pets or children. Plant as low-risk.
How to grow Dwarf Pittosporum in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Water deeply but infrequently once established; roughly every 5-7 days in summer heat and every 2-3 weeks in winter, wetting soil to 1-2 ft deep. Not drought-tolerant in full desert sun, so keep on regular drip irrigation.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Light feeder; apply a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring (March) and again early fall (September). Iron chelate may be needed to correct chlorosis (yellowing) in Tucson's alkaline soils.
Pruning & care
Naturally compact and mounding (rarely needs shaping); shear or hand-prune lightly after spring bloom to maintain density. Avoid heavy shearing in summer to reduce heat stress.
Notes
Best planted in fall in Tucson to establish roots before summer. Performs poorly in reflected heat and full afternoon sun; site on north/east sides of buildings or under high filtered shade. Susceptible to aphids, scale, and root rot in poorly drained soil.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) Landscape Plant guidance; Pima County Master Gardeners