Description

"Sweet Osmanthus" (Osmanthus fragrans) has broad, deep green leaves which act as a foil to the clusters of very small, creamy white or yellow flowers which are held towards the ends of the branches. The fragrance from the rather inconspicuous flowers is reminiscent of jasmine or gardenia and the plant flowers intermittently from spring to autumn. The fragrance from this plant is internationally savoured by everyone who has them growing in their garden. This shrub usually grows to a height of only 3 to 4 metres but can reach far greater heights if favoured conditions prevail. However it can easily be trained to grow in containers to a lessor height.

"Delavay Osmanthus" (Osmanthus delavayi) is a popular evergreen bushy shrub with long, serrated, oval, dark green leaves held on arching branches on an erect and branching bush. It produces small, highly perfumed, tubular white flowers borne profusely in the leaf axils and at the ends of the branches. In summer, the flowers with their distinctive fragrance are reminiscent of jasmine or gardenia. Delavay is a slow growing plant to an eventual height and spread of around 2 metres. It grows in most areas and can be used as a hedge or screening plant but can also be grown in a pot.

Cultivation

Sweet Osmanthus: Plant in organically rich, well drained soil that is ph neutral to moderately acidic. Choice a sheltered position in either full sun or part shade to locate the plant. It is frost resistant but drought tender and therefore requires a protected location with available soil moisture in summer. Plant separation should be about 1.8 to 2.4 metres apart and add a handful of blood and bone as a starter feed. It will respond well to fertiliser and water during the growing season. Osmanthus are greatly un-effected by pests and diseases and only need pruning to shape.

Delavay Osmanthus is adaptable to most soils and conditions but prefers an open sunny position with rich, well drained soil enriched with compost. It is frost resistant but drought tender and therefore requires a protected location with available soil moisture in summer. It will respond well to fertiliser and water during the growing season. The plants can be clipped after flowering to maintain their compact shape and size. No known pests or diseases.