Osmanthus delavayi 'Frank Knight'

RHS Plant Profile
osmanthus 'Frank Knight'
Shrubs

A compact and upright evergreen shrub, slowly growing to 2m tall. The dark green, toothed leaves are leathery and glossy and new growth is bronze-flushed. In late spring it produces small clusters of sweetly fragrant, tubular white flowers; these are followed by ovoid, blue-black fruit to 1cm long

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade 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

  • Coastal
  • Hedging and screens
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

See pruning group 8; if grown for hedging trim after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus