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OSMANTHUS
Commonly known as Sweet olive
Candidates for a shrub border or woodland garden, pest-free and, usually, with pleasantly-scented flowers.
Genus of 36 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees from woodland in Asia, the Pacific islands and southern USA.
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EvergreenNarrowly oval to oblong, pointed, leathery, glossy, dark-green leaves to 12cm (5in) long.
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White -
Height3m (10ft) -
Spread5m (16ft)
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Tall ShrubDense, rounded, spreading shrub. Produces tubular flowers in dense, axillary clusters followed by blue-black fruit to 1.5cm (½in) long.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) -
Partial shade
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Additional Features
Pests & DiseasesTrouble free.
Place of originNortheastern Turkey. -
Garden Location/ConditionsBorderSuitable for a large shrub border
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HardinessFully hardy
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Leaf shape
Oblong(see photos above) -
Pruning group
Pruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
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Scented PlantsScented flowers
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Seasonal InterestSpring
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Soil ConditionsFertile well drained soil
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3m (10ft)
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5m (16ft) |
Buy Varieties of OSMANTHUS
OSMANTHUS armatus
an autumn flowering variety with a sweet scent. Long oblong leaves are very distinct with spiny teeth on the edges
OSMANTHUS x 'Burkwoodii'
leathery glossy dark green leaves with fragrant white flowers
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS delavayi
tiny pure white flowers, fragrant
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS x fortunei
large broad ovate leaves edged with spiny teeth to give a holly-like appearance. Fragrant flowers in autumn
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS fragrans
a tenderish wall shrub with large oblong toothed leaves and strongly fragrant white flowers in summer
OSMANTHUS fragrans f.aurantiacus
deliciously scented clusters of orange flowers followed by black fruits. Tender
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus
bright green holly-like leaves, white scented flowers
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'All Gold'
golden, holly-like leaves.
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Aureomarginatus'
golden edged foliage
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Goshiki'
an attractive form with leaves speckled with cream and pinkish on young growth
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Purpureus'
young purple foliage
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Sasaba'
extremely prickly evergreen leaves and small white scented flowers.
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Variegatus'
silver-edged holly foliage
Gift-wrapping available
OSMANTHUS suavis
toothed, narrow leaves and sweetly scented white flowers
OSMANTHUS yunnanensis
large shrub with long lanceolate leaves and fragrant white flowers in late winter
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