Osmanthus fragrans

Common name: Fragrant Olive / Sweet Osmanthus

Description: Osmanthus fragrans is one of the most extraordinarily fragrant shrubs or small trees in cultivation, venerated across East Asia for many centuries for the almost impossibly powerful and intoxicating apricot-like sweetness of its tiny flowers — a scent so far-reaching and distinctive that the plant is commonly known in China as the Sweet Osmanthus or Gui Hua, and its blossoms are traditionally used to flavour teas, wines, desserts, and perfumes. In the British garden, Osmanthus fragrans is a plant for the adventurous and the dedicated, rewarding those who can provide the right conditions with a floral fragrance that is genuinely unmatched in the temperate garden. The small, tubular, creamy-white to pale apricot flowers are produced in clusters nestled amongst the foliage, and whilst individually modest in appearance, their collective fragrance is astonishing — capable of perfuming the air across a considerable distance on a warm, still day. Flowering occurs most prolifically in autumn, though established plants in sheltered positions may produce sporadic flushes at other times of year. The handsome, evergreen foliage is leathery, lance-shaped, and a deep, lustrous dark green, providing an elegant and refined backdrop of year-round structure and interest. In the UK, Osmanthus fragrans performs best when given the protection of a warm, sheltered, south- or west-facing wall, where it will develop into a distinguished and conversation-worthy specimen of real garden distinction.

Other benefits: arguably the most powerfully fragrant hardy shrub available; year-round evergreen structure and handsome foliage; long cultural and horticultural heritage; highly distinctive and collectable; suitable for wall-training in sheltered positions

Wildlife attraction: bees, hoverflies, and other late-season pollinators attracted by the abundant nectar-rich autumn flowers

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m in a sheltered position; growth rate is moderate

Position: full sun to partial shade; a warm, sheltered, south- or west-facing wall is strongly recommended in the UK; protection from cold, drying winds is essential; one of the most suitable plants for a warm, sheltered urban or courtyard garden

Soil pH: performs best in neutral to slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich soils; pH 6.0–7.0; avoid thin, dry, or very alkaline conditions

Moisture: regular watering required, particularly when establishing and during dry spells; prefers consistently moist but well-drained, fertile soil; avoid waterlogging

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -5°C to -8°C in a sheltered position; will require winter fleece protection during prolonged hard frosts and is best suited to milder regions of the UK, including the south and west of England and coastal areas