About
Osmanthus fragrans, the fragrant olive, is a vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree to 5 m with glossy, leathery, finely toothed, dark-green leaves. Small clusters of highly perfumed, tubular, white flowers are produced in autumn and sometimes in spring and summer, followed by ovoid, blue-black fruit to 1 cm long. Best grown against a warm wall in mild districts, or in a temperate greenhouse.
About the genus
Osmanthus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually intensely fragrant, tubular, white, yellow or orange flowers followed by ovoid, blue-black fruits. Popular specimen and hedging shrubs in sheltered gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens
Native toHimalayas, China
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with protection from cold, drying winds; against a south- or west-facing wall is ideal. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed 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