Thank you for the excellent photos--it makes the question easier to understand! One nagging thought we have is if there are adequate drainage holes in the container. There does not appear to be a saucer under the pot. If you have checked that water can drain easily, the high level of moisture means that you may be over-watering. These plants like moderate, but regular, water. Pittosporums, as a group, are mostly large shrubs from New Zealand and Australia.. They are much happier in drier milder climates than ours. The only one worth "trying" in our climate, in the opinion of Sunset Western Garden Book, is Pittosporum tobira (Japanese Mock Orange ). Most of the other species are not tolerant of icy wind, freezing temperatures, and extremely hot summers. Since the plant in your photo has wavy leaves, it does not appear to be a P. tobira, but possibly a P. tenuifolium ).  If it is  mainly the inner leaves that are browning and falling, this might be a case of simply what evergreen shrubs do--eventually the oldest leaves die and the new leaves form at the tips of the branches. But considering the weather we have been having, it is more likely that your plant has taken a hit from the  cold weather. Insects such as scale and mites are common pests of pittosporum, but there doesn't appear to be any sooty mold or other sign of these sucking insects. So, what to do? If indeed the weather is to blame, do not cut away any damaged branches at this time. Wait until the weather warms and give your plant a haircut by trimming back the longer inside branches and any dead wood. After you have trimmed it you might try a dose of liquid fertilizer such as fish or kelp products high in nitrogen.  Thank you for using Ask an Expert. 

Wow, you nailed it.  It was a Pittosporum  tenuifolium.  I keep the names on file, but didn't check the variety before the nursery because the nursery said it was native for the region.  There is a dish underneath and drainage is good.  I do think perhaps I did overwater thinking it was dry. Thank you.

Thanks for your reply. According to Flora, a respected plant encyclopedia, Pittosporum tenuifolia is a native of New Zealand, hardy in USDA zones 9 to 14. Most of the Rogue Valley is in USDA Zone 8, and it could be argued that parts of Ashland is in Zone 7. especially if wind chill is factored in. (The lower the zone, the colder the winter temperatures.) It is unfortunate that someone gave you an incorrect description: it is certainly not native to this area. It may be a lesson to do your homework before buying plants: even the best nurseries sometimes stock plants that are "chancey" in terms of winter hardiness here. Thanks again for using Ask an Expert.