Osmanthus fragrans aka Sweet Osmanthus

Taxonomy

Osmanthus fragrans, commonly known as sweet osmanthus, sweet olive, tea olive, or fragrant olive, is a species native to Asia. It is a vigorous, evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 5m. The plant has glossy, leathery, dark green leaves with finely toothed edges. Its highly fragrant, tubular white flowers are produced in autumn, and sometimes in spring and summer. These flowers emit a scent reminiscent of ripe peaches or apricots. The plant also bears ovoid, blue-black fruit that is about 1cm long. Osmanthus fragrans is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens across Asia, Europe, and North America. In China, it holds the status of "city flower" in Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Guilin. In Japan, it is recognized as the "city tree" of Kitanagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and the "town tree" of Yoshitomi, Fukuoka Prefecture. This plant thrives against warm walls in mild districts, but can also be grown in a temperate greenhouse.

Common names

Sweet Osmanthus, Tea Olive, Fragrant Olive

How to care for Sweet Osmanthus

Difficulty

Sweet Osmanthus requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Sweet Osmanthus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweet Osmanthus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Osmanthus prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Sweet Osmanthus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Sweet Osmanthus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Sweet Osmanthus’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.


More info:
Wikipedia