Osmanthus

( os - MAN - thus )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen shrubs, commonly called Devilwood, includes species that need full sun to partial shade and little to regular water to perform well in the garden. All species have handsome foliage and inconspicuous but fragrant flowers. They can be grown as shrubs or shaped into trees, and also make good informal or lightly clipped tall hedges. Osmanthus shrubs are native to eastern Asia and the Middle East. They are popularly used in parks and home gardens and are perfect additions to native plant gardens and naturalized landscapes. The blooms provide an essential food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the fruit is a favorite of birds and other wildlife.

osmanthus Species and Varietals

The genus Osmanthus contains about 30 species, and is a member of the plant family Oleaceae. The genus name is derived from the Greek words osma (meaning smell or fragrance) and anthos (meaning flower). Osmanthus growing zones vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii (x Osmarea burkwoodii) (Burkwood Osmanthus, Burkwood Sweet Olive, Sweet Olive, False Holly)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-17, slowly reaching 6-10 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide Leaves are glossy, bright green and toothed on the edges. These plants bloom in springtime and are useful as hedges. Cultivars include 'Caleb' (slightly more compact than the species), 'Pearly Gates' (with a heavy show of pure white vanilla-scented blooms on a 5-10 foot tall, 3-6 foot wide plant), and 'Variegatus' (with cream-white margins on foliage).

Osmanthus delavayi (Delavay Osmanthus, Delavay Tea Olive)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b or Sunset growing zones 4-9 and 14-21 and is native to China. It reaches 4-6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with dark green leaves that have toothed edges. Flowers bloom in springtime; this species has the largest flowers of any Osmanthus. This shrub is attractive year-round, and is great for planting around foundations or on retaining walls. Needs partial shade in warm summer areas.

Osmanthus x fortunei (Fortune's Osmanthus, Fortune's Tea Olive)
This hybrid species is best in USDA hardiness zones 6-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-10 and 14-24, and is a cross between Osmanthus heterophyllus and Osmanthus fragrans. It slowly reaches 15-20 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with holly-like green leaves and flowers that pop in spring and summer. Cultivars include 'San Jose' (pictured, with has fall flowers that range in color from orange to cream), 'Fruitlandii' (with dense growth and longer leaves), and 'Variegatus' (with variegated foliage).

Osmanthus fragrans (Sweet Olive, Fragrant Olive, Sweet Osmanthus, Tea Olive)
This species of Osmanthus grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 5-9, 12-24 and H1. It is native to China, Japan and the Himalayan region. It has a broad, dense, compact habit and reaches 10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. Medium green leaves are ovular and glossy, and flowers have a strong scent of Apricot. Blooms are present in spring and summer, and sporadically throughout the rest of the year. This species is sometimes trained as an espalier. Needs afternoon shade in warmer climates.

'Angyo Compact'
Upright, bushy to 3-5 feet tall and wide with white flowers.

'Aurantiacus' (Kinmokusei)
Orange blooms with a candy-sweet scent. To 10-15 feet.

'Conger Yellow'
10-15 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide with yellow flowers.

'Fudingzhu'
Incredibly long bloom cycle with cream-white flowers. To 8-12 feet tall; 6-8 feet wide.

'Orange Supreme'
Bright orange blooms on a 10-15 foot tall, 6-8 foot wide plant.

'Semperflorens'
Flowers almost continuously. 10-15 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.

Osmanthus heterophyllus (Osmanthus ilicifolius) (Holly-Leaf Osmanthus)
This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 4-10 and 14-25 and is native to Japan. Reaches 10-20 feet tall and a little wider, with spiny edged green leaves. Leaves look similar to Holly (however, they are arranged oppositely rather than alternately on branches). Fall and winter flowers are white. Commonly used as a hedge. This species is less frost tolerant than others. Holly-Leaf Osmanthus is considered invasive in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and northern areas of North Carolina. Cultivars are listed and described below:

'Goshiki'
Reaches 3.5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, with pink-orange marked new foliage that matures to green variegated with cream-yellow.

'Gulftide'
Dense plant reaching 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

'Purpureus'
Similar to the species, but with dark purple new foliage that matures to purple-toned dark green.

'Variegatus'
Slow-growing form reaching 8-10 feet tall and just as wide. Foliage is edged in creamy white. Useful for brightening shaded areas of the garden.

Caring for osmanthus

These shrubs prefer full to partial sun (at least 4-6 hours of sun each day). Some varieties listed above can take more shade; check the descriptions above for more information. The more shade these shrubs receive, the less flowers they will produce. They prefer well-draining soil with good organic content, and thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (with a pH of between 5.0 and 7.5). Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year after planting. Once mature, these shrubs are considered to be relatively drought tolerant, withstanding short periods of no water. Water deeply when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Lay down a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant; this will help with soil moisture retention.

Fertilizing should occur in springtime, though in many cases if the soil has been amended with organic material, it may not be needed. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing these plants, as this can cause the plant to put too much energy towards foliar growth and not enough towards flower production. Pinch tips of new plants to encourage a more bushy habit, and occasionally cut back wayward, dead or dying branches on mature plants. Prune as needed to shape after flowering has faded for the year. These shrubs have a dense growth habit, and can be trimmed into hedges and topiaries if desired. Osmanthus plants typically have a life span of between 25 and 50 years in the landscape, but can live for over a century if cared for properly.

Harvesting Osmanthus
Osmanthus shrubs are often cultivated for their fragrant flowers, which have a sweet, Apricot-like aroma. They are widely used in teas, desserts, and perfumes. The species most commonly cultivated for its blooms is Osmanthus fragrans, commonly known as Sweet Osmanthus, Sweet Olive, or Fragrant Tea Olive. Flowers are gathered during peak bloom in autumn (typically between the months of September and October). This is when they are most fragrant. They can be hand-picked from shrubs, or for larger quantities, a tarp can be laid down underneath shrubs or trees and branches can be shaken carefully to release the flowers from their attachments. After collecting flowers, sort out any stems and leaves. They can then be used fresh in jam, tea, or desserts. The shelf life of fresh Osmanthus flowers is 1-3 days at room temperature or 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer shelf life, they must be dried.

To dry Osmanthus flowers, rinse them with cold water to remove any hidden debris or dust and then spread them out in a single layer. They can be placed on a screen and kept in a well-ventilated, dark room for several days to weeks. Alternatively, they can be heated in the oven in a single layer on top of parchment paper at between 105 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit (40-50 Celsius), checked every 3 to 4 hours and turned frequently to prevent burning or placed in a food dehydrator at the same temperature for 4 to 6 hours. At the end of the drying process, flowers should be completely crispy; otherwise, they will mold in storage. Dried Osmanthus flowers can be stored in a clean, airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place to retain fragrance, flavor, and color. These dried flowers can be used in teas, desserts, potpourri, or crafts like soaps and bath salts.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Propagating Osmanthus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Certain Osmanthus species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Osmanthus shrubs are generally resistant to pests and disease. for information about commonly encountered home garden pests and diseases, consult the following pages:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues