Osmanthus delavayi

RHS Plant Profile
Delavay osmanthus
Delavay osmanthus RHS 1999
Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–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
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

Pruning group 8

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus