About
A compact and upright evergreen shrub, slowly reaching 2m tall. In late spring it produces small clusters of sweetly scented, tubular white flowers; these are followed by ovoid, blue-black fruit to 1cm long. The dark green, toothed leaves are leathery and glossy and new growth is bronze-flushed.
About the genus
Osmanthus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually fragrant, tubular white, yellow or orange flowers with 4 lobes, followed by ovoid blue-black fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCoastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with protection from cold, drying winds
PruningSee pruning group 8; if grown for hedging trim after flowering
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat. Layer in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus