About
A slow-growing, dense, evergreen shrub to 3m tall, with glossy, holly-like, dark green leaves broadly edged in deep yellow. Clusters of small white flowers are sweetly-scented, appearing from late summer to autumn, and are sometimes followed by ovoid blue-black fruits.
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, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds. A good hedging and woodland plant
PruningPruning group 9; prune hedges in spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus