Cheesewood (Pittosporum): A Versatile Evergreen Shrub for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a reliable evergreen shrub that can handle various garden conditions, you might want to consider cheesewood, botanically known as Pittosporum. This adaptable plant has found its way into gardens across several states, though it’s not native to most areas where it’s commonly grown. In Hawaii, it’s also known by the name ho`awa.
Where Does Cheesewood Grow?
Cheesewood has established itself in diverse climates and can be found growing in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, and even as far as Palau. While it’s considered non-native in the lower 48 states and reproduces on its own in the wild, its status in Hawaii is a bit more complex and undefined.
What Makes Cheesewood Appealing?
This perennial shrub typically stays under 13 to 16 feet tall, making it perfect for medium-sized landscapes. Cheesewood is characterized by its multi-stemmed woody growth habit, though it can sometimes grow as a single-stemmed plant depending on environmental conditions. The evergreen nature of this plant means you’ll have year-round foliage, and many gardeners appreciate its glossy leaves and the fragrant flowers that some varieties produce.
Garden Roles and Landscape Uses
Cheesewood shines in several garden applications:
- Screening and privacy hedges
- Foundation plantings
- Mixed shrub borders
- Coastal gardens where salt tolerance is needed
- Mediterranean-style landscapes
Its adaptable nature makes it particularly suitable for gardeners who want a low-maintenance option that can handle various conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
Cheesewood is generally forgiving and adaptable, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. Here’s what this shrub prefers:
- Well-drained soil (avoid waterlogged conditions)
- Full sun to partial shade
- Regular watering during establishment, then drought tolerant
- Occasional pruning to maintain desired shape and size
Once established, cheesewood becomes quite drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
When planting cheesewood, choose a location with good drainage and appropriate space for its mature size. During the first year, provide regular watering to help establish a strong root system. After that, you can reduce watering frequency significantly. Light pruning in late winter or early spring will help maintain an attractive shape and encourage healthy growth.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
When cheesewood blooms, its flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, providing some ecological benefit. However, since this plant is non-native in most areas where it’s grown, consider incorporating native alternatives alongside it to better support local wildlife ecosystems.
Should You Plant Cheesewood?
Cheesewood can be a practical choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, evergreen shrub that requires minimal maintenance once established. While it’s not native to most regions where it’s commonly grown, it’s also not considered invasive or harmful. If you’re interested in supporting native ecosystems, consider researching native shrubs in your area that might provide similar benefits while better supporting local wildlife.
For gardeners in coastal areas or those dealing with challenging growing conditions, cheesewood’s adaptability and resilience make it worth considering as part of a diverse landscape plan.
