About

Osmanthus yunnanensis, the Yunnan osmanthus, is a large shrub or small, spreading tree producing leathery, olive-green leaves to 20 cm long, varying from smooth and flat to wavy with spiny-toothed edges, sometimes on the same plant. Small, creamy-white, highly perfumed flowers appear in late winter to early spring clustered at the leaf bases, followed by egg-shaped, dark-purple fruits with a white bloom. A distinctive and fragrant specimen for a sheltered, sunny garden.

About the genus

Osmanthus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually intensely fragrant, tubular, white, yellow or orange flowers followed by ovoid, blue-black fruits. Popular specimen and hedging shrubs in sheltered gardens.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toTibet, China
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat, or layer in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus