Osmanthus delavayi

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Osmanthus delavayi is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3.5 m (11ft) at a slow rate. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3.5

Where it is found

Dry hillsides, in scrub and forest, often on limestone. Montane regions, ravines, thickets and mixed woods at elevations of 2100 - 3400 metres.

E. Asia - W. China in Yunnan.

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

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. Hardy to about -15°c. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are sweetly scented. It is fairly slow-growing. One report says that fruits are only occasionally produced in Britain whilst another says that plants self-sow in Cornwall. Plants are very amenable to pruning and can be kept quite small by cutting them back after flowering.

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; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

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

Siphonosmanthus delavayi.