Sweet osmanthus - Osmanthus fragrans (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Sweet osmanthus

Also known as: Fragrant olive

Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) is a large evergreen flowering shrub. Sweet osmanthus's small white and orange flowers smell like apricots. This species is also referred to as by the Fragrant Tea Olive.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Winter

Harvest Time

3 m to 18 m

Plant Height

3 m to 4 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black, Blue

Fruit Color

White, Orange

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Fall

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet osmanthus

Distribution of Sweet osmanthus

Distribution Map

The sweet osmanthus is considered native to Southeast, and it has been introduced to Korea. In China, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years for ornamental use as a street tree but is common in forests. It is planted as a large specimen or a shrub in Asian countries,

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Mountains, forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Sweet osmanthus is a common evergreen tree or small shrub that is delighted for its peachy fragrance and profuse flowers. With its tolerance of pruning, it can be used to make a hedge, screen, or border, and can be allowed to grow freely into a specimen piece. Sweet osmanthus may also be grown as a houseplant to add natural fragrance to the home. Perfect in East Asian gardens or as a lawn tree. Grows well with Edgeworthia chrysantha.

Symbolism

Love and Romance

Interesting Facts

In Chinese mythology, sweet osmanthus grows on the moon. The sweet osmanthus in the myth is continually cut down and then heals itself by the mythical figure Wu Gang. Wu Gang is destined to cut the tree forever as his divine punishment. If he stopped cutting the plant, it would overshadow the moon's light.

Name Story

Sweet osmanthus: The genus name Osmanthus comes from the Greek osma, meaning fragrant while anthos, meaning flower. Osmanthus fragrans certainly lives up to this name for having exquisitely scented flowers. Because of this sweet scent, it is called sweet osmanthus.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweet osmanthus, including the following common varieties :

Sweet osmanthus 'Fudingzhu'

Quickly Identify Sweet osmanthus

Evergreen shrub or small tree, 10 feet (3 meters) tall with glossy oval leaves.

Highly fragrant, cream-white flowers, 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) wide, blooming year-round.

Distinctive purple-black drupe fruits, 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) in diameter with velvety texture.

Dark green, leathery leaves, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) long, opposite and elliptic in shape.

Fruit evokes apricot scent, flowers symmetrically arranged in cymes forming clusters in leaf axils.

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Care Guide for Sweet osmanthus

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sweet osmanthus, native to subtropical Asia, prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture and high humidity. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing some drying between waterings. Often grown outdoors, it thrives on rainwater during the growing season, enhancing growth and flowering.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of sweet osmanthus, apply balanced fertilizer in spring and switch to high nitrogen before winter. Fertilize monthly, adjusting for dormancy. Water soil prior to application to prevent burn. Avoid late fall fertilization to prevent frost-sensitive growth. Over- or under-fertilization can harm bloom potential.

Pruning: Sweet osmanthus thrives with winter pruning, promoting healthy growth and shape. Focus on removing dead wood, thinning for air circulation, and shaping to control size and enhance blooms. Regular pruning enhances sweet osmanthus's beauty and flowering potential, ensuring a strong and appealing plant.

Propagation: The evergreen shrub sweet osmanthus is valued for its fragrant flowers and leathery leaves. Propagation via semi-hardwood cuttings (10-15 cm) is ideal, which should be placed in a well-draining medium. Consistent moisture, warmth, and rooting hormones enhance rooting success.

Repotting: Sweet osmanthus flourishes when repotted every 2-3 years, ideally in spring. Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball to prevent excess moisture. After repotting, provide ample sunlight and consistent watering, but refrain from fertilizing for a month to avoid root burn.

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Images of Sweet osmanthus

Distribution of Sweet osmanthus

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Sweet osmanthus

Care Guide for Sweet osmanthus

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