How to grow and care for Osmanthus
All you need to know about growing Osmanthus, in our Grow Guide.
Osmanthus (sometimes referred to as sweet olive or sweet osmanthus) are hardy, small to medium-sized shrubs grown for their handsome evergreen foliage and, with some species, spring flowers. Most species are easy to grow and thrive in sun or shade. However, don’t expect quick results – Osmanthus are slow growing and can also take a year or two to establish, but given time they make excellent feature plants for borders, screening or hedging.
The key attribute varies according to the species – foliage is the main attraction of Osmanthus heterophyllus, which has prickly, holly-like leaves that come in a range of colour variegations as well as dark green. Other species such as Osmanthus x burkwoodii and Osmanthus delavayi are grown more for their clusters of white, sweetly scented spring flowers. Many species also bear purplish or black berries, in autumn. Some species of Osmanthus work well as alternatives to box.
Where to grow Osmanthus
Plant Osmanthus at the middle to back of a border, in a woodland garden, or as a hedge planted in a single row, spacing three plants per metre. Variegated varieties are most compact in shape and are suited to growing in large pots. Although Osmanthus grows either in sun or shade, more flowers will be produced in a sunny site. Avoid windy and exposed sites, and water that's prone to waterlogging.
How to plant Osmanthus
In colder regions, plant Osmanthus in spring so it has plenty of time to become established before winter. In milder areas, plant in autumn or spring.
When to plant Osmanthus
The best time to plant Osmanthus in spring or autumn, when the soil is moist but conditions are warm. You can plant Osmanthus in summer but dry, hot conditions will mean you have to water more regularly to help it become established.
How to care for Osmanthus
Water during dry spells for the first couple of years, taking care to water thoroughly so the moisture penetrates deep into the soil, to encourage development of deep roots.
Annually, in early spring, mulch the soil around the base of the plant with well-rotted organic matter such as home-made garden compost or leaf mould, or chipped bark, avoiding contact with the stems. Apply a general fertilizer at the same time.
In winter, prune Osmanthus back to your desired shape.
How to prune Osmanthus
Trim only if needed to restrict or re-shape growth, immediately after flowering for spring-flowering Osmanthus, or in late spring for species grown predominantly for foliage.
How to propagate Osmanthus
Cuttings or layering are the most reliable ways to propagate Osmanthus. Take cuttings of young, healthy, vigorous, non-flowering shoots in mid to late summer, then insert them in to pots of moist seed compost and place in a heated propagator until new growth begins to appear.
Layering takes longer but is done in situ and doesn’t need any special equipment. Again, select healthy young shoots growing near to the ground and bend down to touch the soil. Then, using a sharp knife, remove a sliver of bark at the contact point. Peg firmly in place and leave for up to 12 months until roots have formed, at which time detach the rooted piece from the parent plant, pot up, and grow on until the root system is sufficiently well established to plant it in the ground.
Pests and problem-solving
Once established, Osmanthus is a trouble-free plant to grow, but it may be suceptible to honey fungus.
Advice on buying Osmanthus
- A limited range of Osmanthus is available from nurseries and garden centres
- Variegated forms of Osmanthus heterophyllus are widely sold as young plants in autumn, for planting in pots for winter interest
- A wider range of Osmanthus species is likely to be offered by specialist shrub nurseries. Osmanthus burkwoodii is often available from hedging specialists.
Where to buy Osmanthus
Osmanthus varieties to grow
Osmanthus delavayi – white, jasmine-like flowers appear with glossy, dark grey-green serrated leaves. Height x Spread: 3m x 4m
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' – rounded, evergreen shrub with glossy, cream edged, dark green leaves and fragrant, jasmine like, white flowers. H x S: 1.5m x 1.5m
Osmanthus × burkwoodii – rounded, evergreen shrub with glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. H x S: 3m x 3m
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Ogon' – pyramid-shaped shrub with waxy, golden-yellow leaves. H x S: 1.2m x 1.2m
Frequently asked questions
What does osmanthus smell like?
Osmanthus flowers have a lovely fragrance, sometimes described as like apricot jam, with citrussy, leathery notes.
What are the benefits of osmanthus?
As well as looking good, Osmanthus flowers can be made into a tea, which is said to have several benefits including reducing bloating and gas, lowering blood pressure and relieving menstrul cramps.
Get the best blooms all summer
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