Victorian Box Tree: A Guide to Growing and Care
Introduction
Are you looking for a beautiful and easy-to-grow tree for your garden? Look no further than the Victorian box tree (Pittosporum undulatum). This evergreen ornamental is native to Australia and is known for its fragrant blossoms, colorful fruit, and tropical look.
What is a Victorian Box Tree?
The Victorian box tree is an evergreen shrub or small tree that typically grows to a height of 40 feet. It has a single trunk and long, lance-shaped leaves that are a shiny green color. The tree’s most striking feature is its fragrant white flowers, which bloom in spring and summer. These flowers are followed by bright orange or yellow seed pods that look like berries.
Growing Victorian Box Trees
Victorian box trees are relatively easy to grow, but they do have some specific requirements. They prefer to grow in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also drought tolerant, but they will need to be watered regularly during hot, dry weather.
To plant a Victorian box tree, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Caring for Victorian Box Trees
Once your Victorian box tree is planted, it will need regular care to thrive. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather. Fertilize the tree every few months with a balanced fertilizer.
Victorian box trees are relatively pest-free and disease-resistant, but they can be susceptible to scale, aphids, and mealybugs. If you see any signs of pests, treat the tree with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Is Victorian Box Invasive?
In some areas, Victorian box trees can be invasive. The tree is known to spread by seed and can quickly form dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation. If you live in an area where Victorian box trees are invasive, it is important to check with your local extension office before planting one.
Common Diseases and Pests of Victorian Box Trees
Victorian box trees are generally resistant to diseases and pests, but they can be susceptible to the following:
- Scale: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that suck the sap from leaves and stems. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of leaves. They can cause leaves to curl and become stunted.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of leaves and stems. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely.
Companion Plants for Victorian Box Trees
Victorian box trees can be planted with a variety of other plants, including:
- Shrubs: Azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons are all good choices for planting with Victorian box trees.
- Perennials: Hostas, ferns, and daylilies are all good choices for planting under Victorian box trees.
- Annuals: Impatiens, begonias, and petunias are all good choices for adding color to the base of Victorian box trees.
Uses of Victorian Box Wood
The wood of the Victorian box tree is hard and durable, making it a good choice for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking projects. The wood is also said to have medicinal properties, and it has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
Victorian Box Tree Hardiness Zones
Victorian box trees are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. This means that they can be grown outdoors in areas with mild winters. In colder climates, Victorian box trees can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months.
Victorian Box Tree Propagation
Victorian box trees can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny place and water the seeds regularly. The seeds will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.
To propagate by cuttings, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy Victorian box tree. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting mix and keep it in a warm, sunny place. The cutting will root in 4 to 6 weeks.
Victorian Box Tree Pruning
Victorian box trees can be pruned to shape and control their size. Prune the trees in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When pruning, remove any dead or diseased branches and any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune the trees to create a desired shape, such as a hedge or a topiary.