Osmanthus decorus

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Osmanthus decorus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Mixed deciduous or mixed Fagus - Picea forests and the sides of gorges, 1000 - 1600 metres in Turkey.

W. Asia - N.E. Turkey to Georgia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Can be grown as a tall hedge, it is quite amenable to trimming.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade, but flowering more freely when in a sunny position. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some chalk. Succeeds in dry shade. Dislikes an unduly exposed position but tolerates more wind than other members of this genus. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant, its fruits are produced freely in British gardens. The flowers are fragrant.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. 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; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Phillyrea decora. P. laurifolia. P. vilmoriniana.