Osmanthus
From PlantWiki
| Osmanthus |
|---|
 Osmanthus Foliage |
| Species |
| Osmanthus |
Contents |
History
The genus known as Osmanthus contains 30 species of evergreen flowering plants. All but one of these originates in the warmer regions of Asia. Osmanthus americanus however, is native to the southeastern United States and bears the common name of Devilwood.
There are several different leaf types within the Osmanthus family. The Chinese Osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is also known as False Holly because the leaves mimic those of traditional Christmas hollies.
Probably the most popular of this group of large evergreen shrubs is the Osmanthus fragrans commonly known as the Fragrant Tea Olive. In Asia, the sweet, deliciously fragrant blooms of this plant are used in the making of sweet cakes, scented jam and liquor among other traditional foods. The Chinese call the blossoms Cinnamon or Cassia Flower where they are used to infuse green or black tea.
Characteristics
The Osmanthus fragrans is a large shrub that in cultivation will mature at a minimum of 10 foot high and 8 foot across. The medium sized oval leaves are a rich glossy green measuring up to 5 inches long. It densely foliated with a very upright shape. This Osmanthus adapts to a wide variety of acidic soils and thrives in the full sun to part shade of zone 7-9. It exhibits good drought tolerance once established and is highly resistant to pests and disease.
In fall, this useful Osmanthus erupts with clusters of tiny white flowers that fill the air with a sweet, fruity perfume. Followed by clustered drupe of blackish berries that are a favorite of songbirds. There is some repeat flowering in spring, though not as abundant as in autumn.
Uses
Due to this plant’s low maintenance requirements it is widely used in parks and commercial or residential landscapes across the US hardiness regions. It adapts itself well to shearing and is often found in taller privacy hedges. The height makes it work well as a screening plant and in portions of a landscape plant where a tall evergreen is called for.
Home Use
This Osmanthus can fill many roles in the landscaping of a home. The sweet, peachy scent of the fall blooms is very memorable. This enchanting aroma makes the shrub welcome in any garden or foundation bed that can accommodate it. It can be left soft and natural for a relaxed, comfortable theme or sheared for a more geometric, formal look.
When deciding where to plant a fragrant Osmanthus, be sure to allow it room to develop into maturity. This is not the shrub to put under a bedroom window or in a planting area to narrow to house it. It is not rapid growing but is well worth the wait with proper planning. The addition of its attraction for birds while in fruit is a bonus benefit when it comes to creating visual interest in a yard.
The plant makes an excellent cover shrub to hide a house’s utility boxes or HVAC units from view. It also can give great textural balance to the landscaping as it works to offset the busy pattern of fine or small leaved shrubs and those that have large leaves. This becomes very important when working with a number of different evergreens where interest and beauty is desirable 12 months a year. The fact that it is a rather carefree plant just makes it that much more useful wherever it is correctly used.