Overview

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a bushy shrubs in the genus Osmanthus, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Osmanthus x burkwoodii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, hedging and screens and wall side borders.

About

Osmanthus delavayi is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is an evergreen shrub native to the Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan regions of southern China, and widely cultivated as an ornamental in temperate and subtropical zones elsewhere.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Osmanthus delavayi

About the genus

Osmanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae. Most of the species are native to eastern Asia with a few species from the Caucasus, New Caledonia, and Sumatra. Osmanthus has been known in China since ancient times with the earliest writings coming from the Warring States period; the book Shanhai Jing: Nanshan Jing states: "The first peak of the Que Mountain range is Mount Zhaoyao, rising by the western sea, where many osmanthus trees grow, and where rich veins of metals and jade lie hidden."

Wikipedia contributors, "Osmanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0Osmanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Osmanthus

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Osmanthus x burkwoodii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Woodland gardens, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders
Fragrance
Fragrant flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Propagation
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Osmanthus x burkwoodii?

Osmanthus x burkwoodii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Osmanthus x burkwoodii need?

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

How big does Osmanthus x burkwoodii grow?

Osmanthus x burkwoodii reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.

Is Osmanthus x burkwoodii hardy in the UK?

Osmanthus x burkwoodii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Osmanthus x burkwoodii?

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

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