Pittosporum eugenioides variegata

Lemonwood or Tarata

Pittosporum eugenioides variegata is a brighter, more ornamental take on the classic Lemonwood. What sets it apart is the soft green foliage edged in creamy-white margins, which gives the plant a lighter, more reflective look in the landscape. Like the species, the leaves release a subtle lemon scent when crushed, but the variegation adds year-round contrast that standard green forms don’t offer.

It keeps the same upright, fast-growing structure early on, maturing into a dense, rounded small tree. Compared to the plain species, ‘Variegata’ is slightly less vigorous and marginally more sensitive to harsh conditions, but still tough enough for Australian gardens once established.

Key Features

Height: 4–6 m (can be kept at 2–3 m with pruning)
Width: 2–4 m
Growth rate: Fast when young, moderates with age
Foliage: Glossy green with creamy-white margins, slightly wavy edges
Flowers: Small, creamy-yellow, lightly fragrant (spring to early summer)
Habit: Upright and conical when young, becoming rounded and dense

How to grow Pittosporum eugenioides variegata -Basic Care

Light

Performs best in full sun to light shade.
Unlike the plain green form, the variegated foliage can scorch in intense afternoon sun in hotter inland areas, so some protection is beneficial in those climates.

Soil

Adaptable to most soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Good drainage is essential—this cultivar is less forgiving of waterlogged conditions than some other Pittosporum species.

Climate

Well suited to coastal and temperate regions (ideal for Melbourne conditions)
Tolerates wind and light frost once established
Moderately drought tolerant, though variegated forms benefit from occasional deep watering in prolonged dry periods

Planting & Establishment

Plant in a well-prepared hole with improved soil if needed, especially in heavier clay. Incorporate compost to improve structure and drainage.

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Mulch well, keeping mulch clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Because of its upright early growth, staking may help in exposed sites, but it usually self-supports quickly.

Maintenance & Care

Pruning

Responds well to pruning, making it ideal for hedging or shaping.

For hedges: Light, regular trims encourage dense growth
For natural form: Minimal pruning, just remove stray or crossing branches
Best timing: Late spring to early summer after flowering

Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as regrowth can be slower than the standard green form.

Feeding

Apply a slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce variegation contrast.

Watering

Once established, it’s relatively drought tolerant, but variegated foliage performs better with consistent moisture during dry periods.

Landscaping Uses

Pittosporum eugenioides variegata is especially useful where you need structure plus foliage contrast.

Screening plant for light-filled hedges
Informal or clipped hedge
Small feature tree in suburban gardens
Background planting to brighten darker foliage schemes
Coastal gardens due to wind tolerance

It’s less commonly used for tight formal hedging than darker Pittosporums, but works well for softer, more relaxed screens.

Companion Planting

The light variegation pairs well with both contrast and harmony planting styles:

Dark foliage contrast: Lomandra ‘Tanika’, Westringia, or Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’ alternatives
Native textures: Grevillea, Callistemon, and Correa for a mixed native screen
Structural balance: Combine with grasses or strappy plants to soften its dense canopy

Avoid overcrowding with similarly variegated plants, which can look visually busy.