The Pittosporum And Yaupon Holly - Great Evergreen Warm Climate Shrubs
The
Pittosporum and Yaupon Holly
are two great evergreen shrubs for warmer
climates as well the beach. Both of these
shrubs provide a rich green color in a variety
of gardens. I have used them in container
gardens as well. A clay pot or a decorative
container with these plants is striking on
either side of an entrance. I have seen a
variety of these species in the
Caribbean,
and other sub - tropical and tropical
settings. Below is a little bit of information on
each of these vibrant evergreen plant specimens.
The
Pittosporum does well in zones
eight through ten. It will survive in zone seven,
but must be protected against any cold
snap. Depending on the variety, it will mature
anywhere from three to ten feet tall and four
to fifteen feet wide. The Pittosporum loves full
sun and is very drought tolerant. This shrub can
take the salt spray of the water and and light
reflection. It also thrives in poor, sandy
soil. The flowers will produce a wonderful
aroma that fills up any garden. The leaves are
leathery in texture with round tips and average
about three inches long.
The
Wheeler dwarf is one of the most popular of this family. It grows
three tall and four feet wide. The Wheeler makes
a great foundation plant. I have also used this in
rock gardens and along banks. The leaves of this
dwarf have a creamy white and grayish-green tone.
This is a great shrub for a decorative pot. This variety
accents a larger evergreen shrub. The Wheeler
compliments the
Arborvitae family,
as well as a variety of
ornamental grasses.
The
Japanese Pittosporum is the
largest of this family. It needs space in any
garden and does well in a corner acting
as a backdrop or privacy screen. The Japanese
variety will mature up to ten feet tall and
can spread out to fifteen feet in width.
The
Variegatta, also known as whitespot,
can take a little more shade compared to
other varieties. This plant will get tall so
a good recommendation is along a garden
edge or near an entrance.
The Pittosporum is a great plant also near a Loropetalum.
The
Yaupon Holly has a few
different characteristics and also many
varieties. The Yaupon can mature anywhere
from three to twenty feet high and five to
twenty feet wide. It loves full sun but can
take some shade during the day. This is
another specimen that can take drought.
The Yaupon family will survive in zones seven
through ten. This is also a great plant for
a beach setting. One of my favorite plants
to create a great look in a courtyard is the
Weeping Yaupon. This is a tree
that will mature up to fifteen to twenty feet.
The branches are long and free style. I did an
experiment a few years ago with the Weeping
to see if it could take partial shade. I planted
it near some large Maple trees and the result
was the side facing the Maples did not fill out.
The Weeping needs space and an open area to
grow properly. This plant will also work well
with its branches flowing down a rock bank.
The
Compacta has a dark green leaf
and matures to about six feet tall. The Japanese
Compacta has a tendency to die back when the
soil is a heavy clay base. Compacta should be
watered regularly. The Compacta is a good foundation plant
and a nice substitute for the Boxwood. In the
gallery of plants
section there is a page on the Boxwood. You can
see the similarities between these two specimens.
Another great use for the Yaupon is making a topiary.
The
Helleri variety can grow up to four feet
tall and six feet wide. This plant can be used as a
ground cover in any style garden. The
Hetzii is a fast
grower and will grow up to six feet. This is a great
hedge plant. To keep a neat appearance in your garden
most of the Yaupons should have some
pruning
in the spring and again in the fall.
Both the Pittosporum and the Yaupon
Holly will create a nice accent to your
garden by the sea or in a warm climate
setting. These are two durable specimens
and easy to grow once established.
I hope this has given you a little information
on two great evergreen shrubs.
