Osmanthus burkwoodii
Osmanthus burkwoodii · Oleaceae
The gardener's calendar
Osmanthus burkwoodii is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, small and oval, dark glossy green
- Flowering
- September to October, small white flowers with a very sweet fragrance
- Mature size
- Approximately 1.5 m in height and width
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15°C
- Origin
- Horticultural hybrid (Osmanthus decorus × Osmanthus delavayi)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Osmanthus burkwoodii flowers more abundantly when subjected to mild summer water stress: don't coddle it. Light pruning after flowering (Oct) to maintain shape.
The common mistake
Overwatering in summer: we think we're protecting it when it actually prefers independence once established.
The pro's trick
Plant it in a northeast-facing sheltered corner away from winds: the glossy foliage doesn't capture dew well, so you need a stable microclimate.
Care
Exposure
Osmanthus burkwoodii prefers partial shade to part shade, though it tolerates full sun in temperate climates. In very hot regions, choose a spot protected from afternoon rays to prevent foliage scorch.
Watering
Keep the soil moist but well-draining, especially during the growing season and the first year after planting. In summer, water regularly without creating waterlogging. Once established, the shrub tolerates moderate dry periods.
Soil
Prefer soil rich in organic matter, well-draining and slightly acidic. Improve the soil at planting time with compost or peat. Avoid very heavy chalky soils or those that remain constantly wet.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential; carry out light pruning after flowering to maintain a compact and elegant shape. Remove dead wood or misplaced branches. This shrub develops naturally in a dense and harmonious form.
Fertilizing
An application of balanced or flowering shrub fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Osmanthus does not require heavy feeding if it benefits from good soil amended at planting time.
Diseases and pests
This is a very robust shrub rarely affected by common diseases. If the soil is too wet, watch for root rot. Scale insects may occasionally develop in very hot climates or indoors.
Did you know?
Osmanthus burkwoodii is a horticultural hybrid created in the twentieth century in the West, combining the hardiness and vigor of its Asian parents. Its small white flowers release a deliciously sweet and fruity fragrance, particularly intense at dusk, making it a wonderful addition near a terrace or autumn garden walk.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.