The Mojo Pittosporum from the Southern Living Plant Collection is a fantastic twist on the traditional variegated pittosporum! The Mojo produces glossy emerald green leaves with creamy white edges, similar to the variegated pittosporum. However, Mojo is much more vividly colored and truly ‘pops’ in the landscape. Expect brightly colored foliage to decorate your landscape all year long thanks to its evergreen nature.
This variegated pittosporum has a naturally compact growth habit. Couple that with relatively slow growth, and you’ll find that pruning is unnecessary!
In Spring, the Mojo Pittosporum yields clusters of vanilla-white flowers. These fragrant blooms are distinctly reminiscent of orange blossom. Therefore, a few planted around your patio is a great way to enjoy some seasonal fragrance.
Like other Pittosporums, this variety is ideal for coastal exposures. This is because of this breeds natural salt tolerance.
This Pittosporum has impressive deer-resistance. In addition, it’s notably water-wise once established.
Hardy from USDA Zones 8-11, down to 5° F. However, we recommend freezing weather protection in the first couple of growing seasons to ensure survival.
Plant from part sun to shade. We get a lot of people asking us about reliable plants for tricky shaded locations, and the Mojo Pittosporum is one of our most popular solutions. Check out the Soft Caress Mahonia for another exceptional shade variety.
Water the Mojo regularly for the first growing season. Generally 2-3 times a week is sufficient. Afterward, only water in times of extended heat and drought.
This variety doesn’t have strict soil requirements and will do well in slightly acidic to neutral soil. The most important aspect of the soil is that it drains well. Soil with poor drainage will lead to root rot and the eventual expiration of your plant.
Fertilize this shrub with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring. This will promote growth and the overall good health of your plant. Moreover, add a couple of inches of composted manure around the base of your plant every year. This will enrich the soil and keep your plant thriving.
First, dig a hole three times as wide as your plant’s root ball. The Mojo Pittosporum is a light rooting variety. Digging a wider hole loosens up the soil and allows the roots to spread more easily. The hole should be deep enough for the top of the plant’s root ball is even with or slightly above the ground around it. Next, mix the native soil you removed from the hole with a bag or two of some good-quality garden soil or composted manure. This will enrich the soil and provide additional nutrients for your plant to absorb over time.
For a seamless planting, plant your Mojo Pittosporum 2.5-3 feet apart. For space between plantings, plant them 3+ feet apart.
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.
We carefully pick plants like they’re going in our own mother’s yard. We water them, package them securely for shipment, and send them straight to your front door. If you’re not happy with your plants upon arrival, give us a call at 1-866-618-5659 or send us an email at [email protected]. We’ll do whatever we can to make it right.
Elaine Whitton Davis (verified owner) –
I ordered three plants. They were packed well by the nursery, but the delivery people did not pay attention to the up arrows on the box. One was upside down, the plant had slipped from its place, and all limbs were broken. I have notified Plants by Mail as it is clearly not their error. THe other two plants seem OK and were nice sizes.
netalley (verified owner) –
The order arrived quickly, however, the box was crushed on one side. When I opened the box the container was also damaged but the plant was intact.
The plant looked healthy although smaller than expected. When I went to plant it all the dirt fell off and the plant had a very little root ball and the plant started to come apart. I planted it immediately, added soil amendment and fertilizer but I’ve noticed part of the plant looks like it’s dying. I guess time will tell.
Patricia Lynn Moore (verified owner) –
Everything was fine.
Julie (verified owner) –
I ordered on a Thursday and plants were delivered on Sunday. Two plants to a box, I ordered 6 plants. Each plant container was secured with a plastic bag to keep the soil and plant from being dislodged from the pot, during shipping. All plants were alive and looked well. Have since planted in yard and so far are doing well. I will order from here again when I need hard to find plants.