The Pittosporum And Yaupon Holly - Evergreen 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.