Pittosporum
Pittosporum is a versatile evergreen foliage prized for its dense, glossy oval leaves arranged along wiry stems. Florists reach for it constantly as a filler and greenery base, valuing its neat texture and exceptional longevity. Varieties range from bright green to silvery variegated and near-black 'Nigra', letting it read fresh or moody. It bridges the gap between fine and broad foliage in bouquets, arrangements and wedding work.
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Peak season | April, May, June |
| Availability | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
| Stem length | 40–70 cm |
| Vase life | 10–14 days |
| Colors | green, variegated |
| Price tier | budget |
Cut stems at an angle and remove any foliage that would sit below the waterline. Give a deep drink of cool, clean water for several hours before use. Pittosporum is hardy and rarely wilts; store it cold at 2-4°C. Recut and refresh the water every few days to maximise its long vase life.
- •Strip lower leaves before arranging
- •Recut stems on a sharp angle
- •Keep water clean and cool
- •Store cold at 2-4°C
- •Handle sprays gently to keep the shape
3 named pittosporum cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Pittosporum in season?
Pittosporum peaks in April, May, June, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Pittosporum last in a vase?
Expect 10–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Pittosporum?
Good substitutes for Pittosporum include Ruscus, Salal, Pistacia. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Pittosporum symbolise?
Pittosporum is associated with endurance, resilience, abundance, harmony.
How do you care for cut Pittosporum?
Strip lower leaves before arranging
