About
A slow-growing and compact evergreen shrub to 2m tall, with holly-like, coarsely-spined, oval leaves marbled and flecked with cream, often tinged pink or bronze when young, and small, aromatic, tubular white flowers in clusters, produced in late summer or autumn and sometimes followed by 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; good for woodland gardens
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus