Discovering the Best Pittosporum Companion Plants for Your Garden

Oleh Anonymous January 17, 2023 Post a Comment

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Pittosporum: A Versatile and Popular Garden Shrub

Pittosporum is a genus of shrubs and small trees that belong to the Pittosporaceae family. They are native to Asia, Australasia, and Oceania, and are widely grown for their ornamental foliage and fragrant flowers.

Pittosporum plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want to add texture and contrast to their landscapes. These plants are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and adaptable to various soil types and climates.

If you're looking for plants that can complement your pittosporum shrubs, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explore some of the best pittosporum companion plants that you can use to create a beautiful and harmonious garden.

The Top 5 Pittosporum Companion Plants

1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender is a popular herb that is known for its soothing fragrance and medicinal properties. It is also an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because it has similar growing requirements and complements the shrub's green foliage with its purple flowers.

Lavender is a hardy plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions, making it ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help improve the overall health and biodiversity of your garden.

2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maple is a small tree that is prized for its stunning foliage and delicate branches. It is an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because it provides height and contrast to the shrub's bushy form.

Japanese maple comes in a variety of colors, including green, red, and purple, making it easy to find one that complements your pittosporum. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

3. Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.)

Kangaroo paw is a native Australian plant that is known for its unique flower spikes and fuzzy foliage. It is an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because it adds texture and color to the shrub's dense foliage.

Kangaroo paw comes in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, and red, making it a versatile choice for any garden. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight.

4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary is a popular herb that is known for its fragrant leaves and medicinal properties. It is an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because it has similar growing requirements and complements the shrub's green foliage with its blue flowers.

Rosemary is a hardy plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions, making it ideal for Mediterranean-style gardens. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which can help improve the overall health and biodiversity of your garden.

5. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that is known for its dense foliage and compact form. It is an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because it adds structure and balance to the shrub's bushy form.

Boxwood comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making it easy to find one that complements your pittosporum. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, so make sure to plant it in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.

Other Pittosporum Companion Plants to Consider

While the five plants we've mentioned above are excellent choices for pittosporum companion plants, there are plenty of other options to consider. Here are some additional plants that you can use to enhance the beauty and diversity of your garden:

1. Euphorbia (Euphorbia spp.)

Euphorbia is a large genus of flowering plants that are known for their unique flowers and attractive foliage. They are an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because they add height and texture to the shrub's dense foliage.

Euphorbia prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include Euphorbia characias and Euphorbia martinii.

2. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia is a large genus of flowering plants that are known for their fragrant leaves and colorful flowers. They are an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Salvia prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include Salvia greggii and Salvia nemorosa.

3. Hebe (Hebe spp.)

Hebe is a genus of evergreen shrubs that are known for their attractive foliage and showy flowers. They are an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because they add structure and balance to the shrub's bushy form.

Hebe prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include Hebe 'Wiri Mist' and Hebe 'Autumn Glory'.

4. Agapanthus (Agapanthus spp.)

Agapanthus is a genus of flowering plants that are known for their stunning flowers and attractive foliage. They are an excellent companion plant for pittosporum because they add height and color to the shrub's dense foliage.

Agapanthus prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include Agapanthus africanus and Agapanthus praecox.

Tips for Growing Pittosporum Companion Plants

If you want to create a beautiful and harmonious garden with pittosporum companion plants, then here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose plants with similar growing requirements

When selecting companion plants for pittosporum, make sure to choose plants that have similar growing requirements. This will help ensure that all the plants in your garden thrive and grow together.

2. Consider color and texture

When choosing companion plants for pittosporum, consider the color and texture of both plants. This will help ensure that they complement each other and create a visually appealing garden.

3. Plant in the right spot

Make sure to plant your pittosporum companion plants in the right spot, taking into account their sunlight and soil requirements. This will help ensure that they grow healthy and strong.

4. Provide proper care and maintenance

To ensure that your pittosporum companion plants thrive, make sure to provide them with proper care and maintenance. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning as needed.

5. Watch out for pests and diseases

Pittosporum and its companion plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases, so make sure to watch out for any signs of trouble. This includes aphids, scale insects, and fungal infections, among others.

FAQs

1. Can pittosporum grow in full sun?

Yes, pittosporum can grow in full sun, but it prefers partial shade or dappled sunlight.

2. How often should I water my pittosporum companion plants?

Water your pittosporum companion plants regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

3. What is the best time to prune pittosporum?

The best time to prune pittosporum is in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.

4. Can pittosporum be grown in containers?

Yes, pittosporum can be grown in containers, but make sure to choose a large enough pot and provide adequate drainage.

5. Are pittosporum companion plants deer-resistant?

Some pittosporum companion plants, such as lavender and rosemary, are known to be deer-resistant, but others may not be. It's always best to check with your local garden center or extension office for more information.

In pittosporum is a versatile and popular garden shrub that can benefit from the addition of companion plants. Whether you're looking to add height, texture, or color to your garden, there are plenty of options to choose from.

By selecting companion plants with similar growing requirements, considering color and texture, planting in the right spot, providing proper care and maintenance, and watching out for pests and diseases, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that showcases the best of pittosporum and its companions.

We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you towards the best pittosporum companion plants for your garden. Happy gardening!