Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Pittosporum tobira 'Shima'
Cream de Mint Dwarf Pittosporum
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Creamy white
- Foliage color
- Variegated green with creamy white to yellow edges
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; may need occasional pruning to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 8 to 11
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinators
About this plant
Pittosporum tobira 'Shima' is a beautifully variegated shrub characterized by its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white to yellow, creating a luminous and elegant display year-round. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that fill the air with a delightful orange-blossom-like scent.
Native to East Asia, Pittosporum tobira has long been cultivated for its ornamental value and adaptability to different growing conditions. The 'Shima' cultivar, with its distinctive variegation, adds a touch of brightness to mixed borders, foundation plantings, or container arrangements. Its compact, dense growth habit also makes it suitable for use as a hedge or accent plant, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Containers · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Lupine · Firethorn · Red valerian · Blue oat grass · Rock rose · Snow-in-summer
Design tip
Frame darker areas of a planting with ‘Shima’s’ creamy-edged foliage, allowing the variegation to create crisp definition and year-round brightness. Its dense evergreen form keeps the effect substantial, while fragrant white flowers introduce a softer layer of interest in spring.
