Free Shipping On Orders Over $100

Order by Phone - 1-866-618-5659
1 9
Southern Living Plant Collection

Mojo Pittosporum

$28.99 $35.99
  • Emerald green leaves with creamy white edges
  • Matures to 3' wide by 2-3' tall
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 7 - 10
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
Pot size

Description

The Mojo® Pittosporum is a compact, evergreen Pittosporum tobira that delivers year-round structure, attractive variegated foliage, and exceptional versatility in the landscape. Often called Japanese Cheesewood or Japanese Mock Orange, this improved selection combines the durability of traditional pittosporum with a naturally dense, dwarf habit that fits beautifully into modern gardens.

Unlike larger varieties that can quickly outgrow their space, Mojo Pittosporum maintains a tidy, rounded form with minimal pruning. Its glossy green leaves are edged with creamy white variegation, giving this variegated pittosporum bright, clean color throughout the year. The foliage creates an elegant contrast against flowering perennials, evergreens, and ornamental grasses while adding year-round interest to foundation plantings and mixed borders.

In spring, clusters of small, creamy white flowers emerge among the foliage. These fragrant blooms release a sweet citrus-like scent that attracts pollinators and adds another layer of seasonal interest to this versatile flowering shrub.

Because of its compact size and naturally dense growth habit, Mojo Pittosporum excels as a low-maintenance hedge, border plant, or foundation shrub. It is particularly valuable in coastal gardens thanks to its excellent salt tolerant nature and ability to withstand challenging seaside conditions. Combined with its deer resistant qualities, this dependable evergreen performs beautifully in locations where many other shrubs struggle.

Whether you're creating low hedges, framing walkways, softening foundations, or adding year-round structure to a mixed landscape, the Mojo Pittosporum provides beauty, durability, and easy-care performance season after season.

Companion Plants for the Mojo Pittosporum

The Mojo is a fantastic accent for tons of different plants. It complements the Florida Sunshine Illicium beautifully. Plant it with a few Ever Amethyst Agapanthus and you've got yourself quite an eye-catching tropical display. It also shines with Hydrangeas, in particular, the Big Daddy Hydrangea.

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

The Mojo Pittosporum thrives in full sun to partial shade, with the best foliage color and densest growth typically occurring in locations that receive at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. In warmer climates, light afternoon shade can help reduce stress during extreme summer heat.

This adaptable Pittosporum tobira prefers well-drained soil but tolerates a wide range of soil conditions once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. After establishment, this Japanese Cheesewood becomes relatively drought tolerant and requires only occasional supplemental watering during extended dry periods.

One of the biggest advantages of Mojo Pittosporum is its low-maintenance nature. Minimal pruning is needed to maintain its naturally compact form, though light shaping can be done in late winter or early spring if desired.

This variegated pittosporum is highly valued for its:

  • Salt tolerance
  • Deer resistance
  • Drought tolerance
  • Evergreen foliage
  • Adaptability to coastal conditions

Hardy in USDA Zones 7–10, it performs exceptionally well in foundation plantings, borders, containers, and coastal landscapes.

Landscape Uses

The compact growth habit of Mojo Pittosporum makes it one of the most versatile evergreen shrubs available.

Ideal uses include:

  • Low hedges
  • Foundation plantings
  • Coastal gardens
  • Border plantings
  • Container gardens
  • Walkway edging
  • Mass plantings
  • Evergreen accents
  • Poolside landscapes

Its combination of evergreen foliage, compact size, and durability makes it especially valuable for homeowners seeking structure and color without extensive maintenance.

Spacing Recommendations

Mojo Pittosporum Spacing Recommendations

When planting Mojo Pittosporum as a hedge or mass planting, space plants 3 to 4 feet apart (center to center) to allow them to grow together into a dense, attractive screen.

For individual specimens or mixed landscape beds, allow 4 to 5 feet of spacing so each plant can fully develop its natural rounded shape.

At maturity, Mojo Pittosporum typically reaches approximately 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for low hedges, foundation beds, and smaller landscape spaces.

  • Scientific Name
    Pittosporum tobira 'CNI Three' PP16188
  • Hardiness Zone
    7, 8, 9, 10
  • Sun Exposure
    Part Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Drought Tolerant, Dwarf, Heat Tolerant, Shade Tolerant, Variegated
  • Feature Color
    Green, White
  • Uses
    Border, Container, Foundation Planting, Groundcover, Hedge, Mass Planting
  • Water Needs
    Water-Wise
  • Bloom Season
    Spring

Growing Zones : 7, 8, 9, and 10

Map of USDA Zones 7-10
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

View Collection
  • Plants that are shipped direct from the grower

    Direct from the Grower

    Direct from our nursery in Alabama

  • Free shipping on orders over $100

    Free Shipping

    On all orders over $100

  • Quality Guarantee, We offer you a 30-day guarantee

    Quality Guarantee

    We offer you a 30-day guarantee