About
A fairly vigorous shrub, usually only up to 2m high inland, but up to 6m high in mild coastal areas, with broad-ovate, leathery, glossy dark green leaves up to 10cm long; the leaf margins have spine-tipped teeth, but leaves towards the tops of mature plants are often entire. Clusters of intensely-aromatic white flowers, each about 1cm across, appear in autumn, only occasionally followed by black fruit.
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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 1 (little or no pruning of trees and shrubs) or pruning group 9 (late-flowering evergreen shrubs)
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat, or by layering in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus