Fragrant Olive
Osmanthus fragrans

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Mountains of S. Japan. 1200 - 2100 metres in the Himalayas. Forests, in association with Ilex dipyrena and Castanopsis spp, at elevations of 1300 - 3000 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The unripe fruits are preserved in brine like olives. The very fragrant flowers are used by the Chinese to impart a pleasant aroma to tea, wine and sweet dishes such as lotus seed soup, pastries and steamed pears. They are also added to herbal medicines in order to disguise obnoxious flavours. The flowers have a scent of apricots.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The flowers are antitussive. They are used in cosmetics for the hair and skin, but are mostly used to flavour other medicines. A decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles etc. A past made from the stem or bark is used in the treatment of boils, carbuncles, whoping cough and retinitis. A decoction of the lateral roots is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, rheumatism, bruises etc.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Other

Rating: 2

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers. Used as a flavouring. The flowers are used as an insect repellent for clothes.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Repellent: Plants that are said to deter but not necessarily kill various mammals, birds, insects etc.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade, but flowering more freely in a sunny position. Thrives in chalky conditions. Dislikes unduly exposed positions, and requires shelter from freezing winds. Not very hardy outdoors in Britain, it succeeds on a wall in Cornwall or in a woodland garden in the milder areas of the country. The flowers are very fragrant. They are sometimes available in oriental stores, preserved in sweetened brine or as a sugary paste called 'cassia blossom jam'.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later. Layering in spring or autumn. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Olea fragrans.