Wheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum

Introduction

Wheeler’s Dwarf Pittosporum is a 3 to 4 foot tall evergreen shrub that is rounded in form. This shrub will form a low, compact mound of dark green foliage. The thick, leathery leaves are about 4 inches long. The flowers are not noticeable, and this plant produces no fruit.

Use and Management

Wheeler’s Dwarf is wonderful for the front of shrub borders, and it is ideal for patios and terraces. It should not be planted next to or along a foundation because it does not tolerate poor drainage. Wheeler’s Dwarf Pittosporum lends itself well to raised planters and containers and will provide a lovely background for annual beds.

This cultivar is not ad cold hardy and the species and will be severely damaged at 10 degrees F. It should be planted in an area in which the topsoil has been prepared. The soil should be kept adequately moist, and the plant should be fertilized 2 to 3 times each year. It needs to placed in that area of the landscape, which receives full to partial sun. Pruning or shearing is not needed to maintain a neat, uniform shape. This cultivar is less tolerant to adverse growing conditions than the species. It can even be considered picky. Only plant if the soil drainage is excellent and a regular maintenance program can be provided including irrigation and fertilization.

Problems

The cultivar is more susceptible to leaf spot disease than the species and may be occasionally bothered by mealy bugs.

Additional Characteristics

• Soil Moisture: Moist, well-drained
• Soil Types/Tolerance: Alkaline; sandy; acidic; loam
• Uses: Mass planting; container or above grade planter; ground cover
• Special Features: Pleasant fragrance
• Special Resistance: None

Planting

• Available in 1, 3 or 5 gal containers.
• Suggested plant spacing are:
• Plant 18’, 24” to 36” OC
• Bed Preparation:
• Spread 3” of bed mix in ground cover beds
• Till 6” deep, rake beds to drain away from structure
• Plant
• Topdress with 2” of double ground (fine) hardwood mulch.
• Hand water in after planting
• Set sprinkler controller to water beds:
• Once every two days for two weeks in spring and early fall.
• Once a day for two weeks when temperatures reach 98+ degrees.
• Have Owner monitor moisture and report over or under watering immediately.
• After two weeks reassess the watering needs, and set at twice a week thereafter.