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Osmanthus × burkwoodii
burkwood osmanthus
Hybrid of garden origin; {O. delavayi} (Yunnan, China) crossed with {Phillyrea decora} (western Asia), raised in the UK
Overview
Osmanthus × burkwoodii is an upright evergreen shrub reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall and 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) wide. It is an intergeneric hybrid of O. delavayi and Phillyrea decora, raised at Burkwood and Skipwith Nurseries near London. In March and April, dense clusters of white tubular flowers, each 0.3 inch (8 mm) long with four spreading lobes, open along the previous year's stems and carry a sweet, jasmine-like scent for about 3 weeks. The glossy dark green leaves are 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long with small teeth and smooth, spineless margins, and the shrub holds them year-round. Leaf size sits between the small-leaved O. delavayi and the larger, holly-like O. heterophyllus. The Phillyrea spp. parent contributes extra cold tolerance, so this hybrid is hardy to zone 6 while O. delavayi is limited to zone 7. Growth is slow, at 5-8 years to full size, which is the main drawback where quick screening is wanted. Established plants tolerate drought, and the foliage is passed over by deer. All parts are non-toxic. It grows in full sun to partial shade in zones 6-9.
Native Range
A hybrid of garden origin, crossing O. delavayi of Yunnan, China with Phillyrea decora of western Asia. It was raised by Burkwood and Skipwith Nurseries at Kingston-upon-Thames, UK.Suggested Uses
Grown as a fragrant evergreen hedge, screen, or single specimen, and in containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), spaced 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) apart. The early spring scent carries several feet. All parts are non-toxic, and the shrub is hardy in zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Flowers open in early to mid spring, March into April, for about 3 weeks. The white tubular four-lobed flowers, each 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, cluster along the previous year's wood and carry a strong sweet scent. Bees work the blooms.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, tubular, 0.3 inch (8 mm) long, four-lobed, in dense clusters of five to seven along the previous year's wood; March to April; strongly sweet and jasmine-scentedFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, ovate to elliptic, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, leathery, with small teeth and smooth spineless margins; held year-round; leaf size between the small-leaved O. delavayi and the larger O. heterophyllusGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to partial shade with 4-8 hours of light. Set in well-drained soil at pH 5.5-7.5. Established shrubs tolerate dry spells. Because flowers form on the previous year's wood, prune right after bloom in April or May. The Phillyrea spp. parentage carries the plant to zone 6, colder than O. delavayi. Growth is slow, and all parts are non-toxic.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering, in April or May, since the flowers form on the previous year's wood. It takes formal shearing for hedging and needs little shaping when grown as an informal shrub.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons