Osmanthus delavayi
Delavay osmanthus
O. delavayi is a dense, rather slow-growing medium-sized evergreen shrub with rounded or ovate, dark green leaves to 2.5cm in length. Abundant small, highly-scented white flowers in clusters are followed by small, blue-black berries
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Black Blue | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; good for woodland gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.