{"id":1196,"date":"2026-04-30T10:39:41","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T07:39:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tadoley.com\/?p=1196"},"modified":"2026-04-30T10:39:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T07:39:41","slug":"how-to-grow-and-care-for-osmanthus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tadoley.com\/?p=1196","title":{"rendered":"How to grow and care for Osmanthus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Osmanthus<\/em> (sometimes referred to as sweet olive or sweet osmanthus) are hardy, small to medium-sized shrubs grown for their handsome evergreen foliage and, with some species, spring flowers. Most species are easy to grow and thrive in sun or shade. However, don\u2019t expect quick results \u2013 Osmanthus<\/em> are slow growing and can also take a year or two to establish, but given time they make excellent feature plants for borders, screening<\/a> or hedging.<\/p>\n

The key attribute varies according to the species \u2013 foliage is the main attraction of Osmanthus heterophyllus,<\/em> which has prickly, holly-like leaves that come in a range of colour variegations as well as dark green. Other species such as Osmanthus<\/em> x burkwoodii<\/em> and Osmanthus<\/em>\u00a0delavayi<\/em> are grown more for their clusters of white, sweetly scented spring flowers. Many species also bear purplish or black berries, in autumn. Some species of Osmanthus\u00a0<\/em>work well as alternatives to box<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Where to grow Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

\"Osmanthus<\/p>\n

Plant Osmanthus<\/em> at the middle to back of a border, in a woodland garden, or as a hedge planted in a single row, spacing three plants per metre. Variegated varieties are most compact in shape and are suited to growing in large pots. Although Osmanthus<\/em> grows either in sun or shade, more flowers will be produced in a sunny site. Avoid windy and exposed sites, and water that’s prone to waterlogging.<\/p>\n

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How to plant Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

In colder regions, plant Osmanthus\u00a0<\/em>in spring so it has plenty of time to become established before winter. In milder areas, plant in autumn or spring.<\/p>\n

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When to plant Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

The best time to plant Osmanthus<\/em> in spring or autumn, when the soil is moist but conditions are warm. You can plant Osmanthus<\/em> in summer but dry, hot conditions will mean you have to water more regularly to help it become established.<\/p>\n

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How to care for Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

\"Watering<\/p>\n

Water during dry spells for the first couple of years, taking care to water thoroughly so the moisture penetrates deep into the soil, to encourage development of deep roots.<\/p>\n

Annually, in early spring, mulch the soil around the base of the plant with well-rotted organic matter such as home-made garden compost or leaf mould, or chipped bark, avoiding contact with the stems. Apply a general fertilizer at the same time.<\/p>\n

In winter, prune Osmanthus\u00a0<\/em>back to your desired shape.<\/p>\n

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How to prune Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

Trim only if needed to restrict or re-shape growth, immediately after flowering for spring-flowering Osmanthus<\/em>, or in late spring for species grown predominantly for foliage.<\/p>\n

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How to propagate Osmanthus<\/em><\/h3>\n

Cuttings or layering are the most reliable ways to propagate Osmanthus<\/em>. Take cuttings of young, healthy, vigorous, non-flowering shoots in mid to late summer, then insert them in to pots of moist seed compost and place in a heated propagator until new growth begins to appear.<\/p>\n

Layering takes longer but is done in situ and doesn\u2019t need any special equipment. Again, select healthy young shoots growing near to the ground and bend down to touch the soil. Then, using a sharp knife, remove a sliver of bark at the contact point. Peg firmly in place and leave for up to 12 months until roots have formed, at which time detach the rooted piece from the parent plant, pot up, and grow on until the root system is sufficiently well established to plant it in the ground.<\/p>\n

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Pests and problem-solving<\/h3>\n

Once established, Osmanthus<\/em> is a trouble-free plant to grow, but it may be suceptible to honey fungus<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Advice on buying Osmanthus<\/em><\/h2>\n