Osmanthus serrulatus
A compact and slow-growing evergreen shrub to 1.5m tall, with large, glossy, dark green toothed leaves. In spring it produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in the leaf axils; these are followed by ovoid, blue-black berries to 1cm long
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Osmanthus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually fragrant, tubular white, yellow or orange flowers with 4 lobes, followed by ovoid blue-black fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with protection from cold, drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat. Layer in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
See pruning group 8
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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