Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Osmanthus is a genus of about 15-20 evergreen species from the olive family, and we have spent many years trialling one by one in C.E. climate. We are greatly delighted to say that so far all of them have been a success because they do not only survive, they thrive here and are beautiful. In fact, some of them needed radical pruning having grown so vigorously. Sufficient hardiness is an important feature, however, current lack of water in the ground and less rain make drought-tolerant osmanthus one of the future species among evergreen shrubs. In order to see all the winning osmanthus species and varieties check our website for details.

Burkwood's sweet olive is a garden hybrid between Chinese osmanthus delavayi and Turkish osmanthus decorus. It is more beautiful and tougher than either of its parents. It boasts dense habit, profuse flowering, and handsome foliage. Evergreen leaves are leathery, ovate, 3-5 cm long, medium green, glossy, and slightly twisted. In mid spring appear small clusters of snow white, sweetly fragrant flowers in such profusion that the plant looks like covered in snow. Talking of snow - branches are very flexible and even if bent under a load of fresh wet snow in winter, do not try to take remove it - when it thaws the branches will return to their position.

Plants with small leaves are more elegant than for example bold leaved cherry laurels but planted together in a hedge makes a great contrast. Burkwood's sweet olive grows slowly into an upright, bushy shrub about 3m tall and wide. Pruning can be done immediately after flowering. It is often clipped to mushroom heads or balls where a second trimming is required in midsummer. Use it in a hedge, as a small specimen shrub, or in Mediterranean landscape.

Grow sweet olive in moist but well-drained, humus rich soil. Acidic soil enhances the depth of green colour in leaves but is not essential. Just avoid compacted or water-logged ground where the roots may rot. The plant will be happy in full sun as well as partial shade, and will also grow in deep shade where it will loose its shape and will flower less abundantly. It is pest and disease free, and reliably hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6), while some sources rate it hardy even to -29°C (USDA zone 5) which we have not had a chance to test yet. Choose older plants for growing in zone 6.

Last update 30-09-2019