A fragrant flowering small shrub, Osmanthus is grown for the fragrance and foliage rather than the flowers although species such as Osmanthus delavayi do have larger flowers than some others.
O. fragrans aurantiacus or ‘Sweet Osmanthus’ is an evergreen shrub or small tree also known as the ‘Tea Olive Tree’.
Fragrant flowers are an added attraction other species including O. delavayi and O. heterophyllus with its ‘holly like foliage’ are also well worth considering either as a garden plant or a hardy hedging plant and is readily available for sale
Varieties
- O. armatus
- O. x Burkwoodii
- O. decorus
- O. delavayi
- Osmanthus fragrans
- Osmanthus x fortunii
- O. heterophyllus – aureomarginata, goshiki, purpureus, rotundifolius and varieagatus
Care and growing conditions
Making a great flowering hedge, not only does it have fragrant flowers but it can be cut back and the flowers will come on the old wood. Fairly slow growing, but the flowers can be used as cut flowers.
Best in full sun to part shade in a humus rich well drained soil.
- Dig in well rotted compost and manure a few weeks before planting.
- Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertilizer
- Mulch to maintain a cool root run.
- Prune after flowers have died back.
Osmanthus X Burkwoodii is a small bushy shrub with dark green foliage. Fragrant white flowers in spring. Excellent for hedging.
Try growing these wonderful foliage plants in a fairly cool moist position avoiding hot afternoon sun, mulch to maintain a cool root run.
Landscaping Uses
If you are looking for perfume in the garden then Osmanthus fragrans will more than pull their weight in this respect, perfume with a punch. Excellent when planted near pathways or outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be appreciated on warm nights.
Other winter fragrant plants include
- Daphne odora
- Chimonanthus
- Luculia
- Sarcococca confusa – sweet box
Osmanthus are available for sale from the following nurseries
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au