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Osmanthus fragrans

fragrant olive

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; elsewhere it is best grown in a temperate greenhouse

Other common names
kwei
sweet olive
see moresweet tea
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn White Green
Winter Green Black Blue
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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
Himalayas, China

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with protection from cold, drying winds; against a south- or west-facing wall is ideal. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. When in growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed 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
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

See pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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