Osmanthus serrulatus

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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