Osmanthus fragrans (Burkwood)

Osmanthus fragrans   ( burkwood fragrant olive )

50lt pot    –   100 – 125cm 

A vigorous, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree to 5m tall, with glossy, leathery, finely toothed dark green leaves. Small clusters of highly fragrant, tubular white flowers are produced in autumn, and sometimes in spring and summer; they are followed by ovoid, blue-black fruit to 1cm long. Grow against a warm wall in mild districts;

Fragrant tea olive is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub with a dense habit in the olive family (Oleaceae). It is native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia. This plant has small but extremely fragrant flowers that appear in the spring and sporadically in the fall. The genus name comes from the Greek words for fragrant (osme) and flower (anthos). The species epithet means “fragrant.”

Plant this shrub in full sun to partial shade and in moist soils with good drainage. In southern climates, afternoon shade is a must. Heavy clay soils are tolerated. Once established this plant is drought tolerant, but be sure to supply supplemental watering in hot dry months. It responds well to pruning for shape and can be pruned into a tree or an espalier. When pruning, keep in mind that next season’s blossoms will appear on old (this year’s) growth. Pruning can diminish next year’s floral display. In cooler climates, this plant can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors or as a houseplant.