Osmanthus delavayi, Delavay osmanthus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Osmanthus delavayi

Delavay osmanthus

Oleaceae
Southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces

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At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
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Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (strong)Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A dense, rounded to mounding broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) per year. Branches are arching, giving the plant a graceful, slightly weeping silhouette at maturity that is wider than tall. Leaves are opposite, small, elliptical to ovate, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long and 0.3-0.5 inches (8-13 mm) wide, glossy dark green, thick and leathery, with finely toothed (serrulate) margins. The small leaf size creates a fine, dense texture similar to boxwood. Flowers appear in March to April in axillary clusters of 4-8, each flower tubular, four-lobed, white, approximately 0.5 inches (13 mm) across, with an intensely sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that is detectable from 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m). Flowers are produced profusely, covering the plant in white along the stems. Fruit is an ovoid drupe approximately 0.4 inches (10 mm) long, blue-black, ripening in late summer, produced sparsely. Named for French missionary and botanist Jean Marie Delavay, who collected it in Yunnan, China, in the 1890s. One of the most fragrant spring-flowering shrubs available for Pacific Northwest gardens. Hardy to approximately 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C). Received the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

Native Range

Native to southwestern China, primarily Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Found in evergreen forests, scrubland, and on rocky mountain slopes at elevations of 4,000-10,000 feet (1,200-3,000 m). First collected by Jean Marie Delavay in 1890 and introduced to Western gardens in 1923.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a specimen, informal hedge, or foundation shrub at 4-5 foot (1.2-1.5 m) spacing, where the spring fragrance can be appreciated near walkways, entries, patios, and windows. The fine texture and dense habit make it suitable for formal hedging. Suitable as a boxwood alternative with the added benefit of intensely fragrant spring flowers. Suitable for containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L). Tolerates urban pollution.

How to Identify

Identified by small, opposite, glossy dark green, finely toothed evergreen leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long on arching branches. Distinguished from O. heterophyllus by the much smaller leaf size and the absence of spiny leaf margins. Distinguished from O. × burkwoodii by the smaller leaves, more arching habit, and spring (vs. spring) bloom — though bloom timing overlaps. The profuse, intensely fragrant white flowers in March to April are the most recognizable feature. The fine-textured, dense growth resembles boxwood but with a more arching habit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Flowers from March to April in USDA zones 7-9. Axillary clusters of 4-8 tubular, four-lobed white flowers, each approximately 0.5 inches (13 mm) across, are produced profusely along the stems. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Fragrance is intense, sweet, and jasmine-like, detectable from 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m), strongest on warm, still days. Blue-black drupes approximately 0.4 inches (10 mm) long ripen sparsely in August to September.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial Shade
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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to full sun in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0). In the Pacific Northwest, performs well in full sun; in warmer zones, afternoon shade is beneficial. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. Shelter from cold, desiccating winter winds in zones 7-8, particularly in exposed sites; a south- or west-facing wall provides ideal protection. No serious pest or disease problems. The slow growth rate means patience is required for the plant to reach full size.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering in April to maintain shape and size, as flower buds form on the previous season's growth. Responds well to moderate shearing for formal hedging. Avoid late-season pruning (after June), which removes developing flower buds and reduces the following spring's bloom. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) is tolerated but will sacrifice one to two seasons of flowering. The natural arching form is attractive and requires minimal shaping.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic