About
An upright evergreen shrub to 3m tall, with holly-like, glossy, dark purple leaves that age to dark green with a purple tinge as the season progresses, and bearing clusters of small, aromatic white flowers in late summer or autumn, 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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soils in sun or shade; good for woodland gardens
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus