Osmanthus burkwoodii
Burkwood Osmanthus
Garden hybrid; parent species from China and the Caucasus
Overview
Osmanthus spp. x burkwoodii is a slow-growing evergreen shrub reaching 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall and wide, a hybrid of Osmanthus delavayi and Osmanthus decorus. It forms a dense, rounded framework of stiff branches clothed in small, leathery, dark green leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long with finely toothed edges. In mid to late spring, clusters of small white tubular four-lobed flowers open in the leaf axils, releasing a strong sweet scent that carries well in still air. The flowers are followed only rarely by small dark fruits in cultivation. The dense evergreen habit takes clipping well and is used for hedging and topiary, though slow growth means hedges take several years to fill in. It grows in full sun to part shade on most well-drained soils, including clay and chalk, and tolerates urban conditions and coastal wind once established. Cold, drying winds can scorch the foliage in hard winters. Growth is slow, adding only a few inches a year, so plants are spaced and pruned with that pace in mind. It withstands drought once the root system is established.
Native Range
Osmanthus spp. x burkwoodii is a garden hybrid raised in the early 20th century from Osmanthus delavayi and Osmanthus decorus, species native to western China and to the Caucasus and western Asia respectively. It does not occur in the wild.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, evergreen hedge, screen, or topiary, and near paths, doors, and seating where the spring scent is noticed. It suits woodland edges, courtyards, and large containers. Plants are spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart for hedging.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, roughly April to May, with small white flowers clustered along the stems in the leaf axils. The scent is strong and sweet, carrying several feet in calm conditions. Flowering lasts about three weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing 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 part shade on fertile, well-drained soil, including clay and chalk. It tolerates a wide range of conditions but dislikes waterlogging. Water young plants through dry spells until established, after which it withstands drought. Cold, drying winter winds can brown the leaves, so a sheltered position holds foliage better. Any clipping is done after flowering, as flowers form on the previous year's wood. Growth is slow and needs little routine attention.Pruning
Clipping or shaping is done just after flowering in late spring, since flower buds form on the previous season's growth. Hedges and topiary are trimmed once or twice in the growing season. Overgrown plants tolerate harder cutting back into old wood, regrowing slowly.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: 7 gallons