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Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen broadleaf shrub or small tree that belong to the Oleaceae family and is aboriginal to Asia , particularly in South China , Taiwan , Japan , Cambodia , Thailand , Japan , and the Himalayas .
The botanical name osmanthus is derived from the combined Greek Scripture osme , meaning fragrant , and anthos , which mean flower .
This plant is also well - known for its other uncouth names , let in :
normally grown as a heavy indoor industrial plant , Osmanthus fragrans is increasingly popular as an ornamental plant life in the landscape due to its attractive evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers .
In this article , we will discuss the important growing and care wind of Osmanthus Fragrans to guarantee your flora thrives in your garden .
Osmanthus Fragrans Care
Size and Growth Rate
Osmanthus Fragrans is a medium - sized evergreen bush that can get through up to 10′ to 15′ feet tall and wide in cultivation . However , this plant may acquire up to 20′ to 30′ foot tall and 10′ to 14′ feet wide in its native home ground .
Its growth rate is temperate with an unsloped signifier , and it can reach its mature sizing in about 10 age . However , the ontogenesis rate may vary depending on the growing conditions , including grease eccentric , temperature , and moisture .
Moreover , this evergreen shrub sport elongated leathery , dark unripened leaves that are either smooth or delicately toothed .
Its tranquil and attractive bark is grey - mature when expose .
Flowering and Fragrance
Sweet osmanthus produce small but extremely fragrant flower clustering that appear in leaf axils in bound or sporadically year - round in late fall .
The aromatic bloom come in a broad variety of shade , including white , creamy yellow , pallid lily-livered , or orangish - yellow . However , the flower color may motley depending on the variety . Some may put up reddish chromaticity , orangish , and gold .
In addition , these dainty , fragrant flower bunch cut through this densely branched shrub .
One of the most typical features of Osmanthus fragrans is its scent , which is often compare to apricot , peach , or jasmine , filling the entire garden with its aroma .
Moreover , this plant also features a over-embellished - black drupe fruit containing a single hard - shelled seed , which matures about six month after flowering in springiness .
Light and Temperature
Osmanthus Fragrans opt full sun to fond subtlety but can abide wraith .
This plant requires about 6 hour or more of direct sunlight daily , while it only needs about 2 to 6 hours of direct sunlight only part of the solar day .
In hot southerly regions with warm clime , it ’s best grown in part good afternoon shade to preclude leafage scorch .
This evergreen plant bush thrives in lovesome temperatures but can withstand temperatures as downcast as 10 ° degrees Fahrenheit as it ’s wintertime sturdy there . However , it may suffer hoar damage below 20 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
To protect the plant from extreme atmospheric condition conditions , provide a sheltered emplacement and mulch around the root .
Generally , the Sweet Osmanthus is also fearless in USDA zone 8 to 10 .
Tea Olive Shrub Watering and Fertilizer Requirements
Osmanthus Fragrans needs average but regular watering , peculiarly during the growing season . This will avail keep the soil from dry out out .
think to provide about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season .
However , insure you ’re not overwatering because it can direct to root rot and other problems .
call back , immature Tea olives should be on a regular basis watered for the first year or so .
Once set up , your Sweet Osmanthus is middling drouth tolerant and only need watering when there is no hebdomadary rainfall . However , be certain to add supplemental watering in hot , dry months .
For fertilizer app , feed your fragrant industrial plant with a slow - sacking fertilizer or a time - release bush and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree plant food in the spring and summertime to promote healthy outgrowth and inflorescence .
When moved at bottom for the winter , potted works will also need light feeding , rather complete fertilizer with slow - liberation N .
However , your tea European olive tree shrub does n’t need any plant food before winter start because hoarfrost will damage new growth .
Soil and Transplanting
Sweet Olea europaea develop best in fertile , well - debilitate grease but may grow well in moist soil with right drainage .
This plant can also originate well in any good garden grunge , and grievous corpse soil or sandlike dirt are tolerated .
However , ensure the soil is not inert because this plant can not tolerate wet grime .
Remember , the soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH , between 5.0 to 7.5 . But if you have extremely alkaline soil , you may add elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
When transplanting Osmanthus Fragrans , it ’s best done in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant . Before transplantation , prepare the newfangled planting maw by digging a hole doubly as extensive as the root ball and incorporate organic matter .
Growing in the Landscape
Osmanthus Fragrans is a versatile works that can be grown in various setting , including hedge , foundation plantings , and sundry borders .
When planting in the landscape painting , offer enough space for the plant to get to its mature size of it and industrial plant in a location that welcome fond shade to full sun .
When grow in container , use a well - debilitate potting commixture and provide regular fecundation and lachrymation .
Environment
To make the optimal environment for Fragrant afternoon tea olive , plant it in a location that take in partial shade to full Sunday and protect it from extreme conditions conditions .
supply veritable lachrymation and dressing to promote intelligent ontogenesis and ensure the dirt is well - draining .
Moreover , Osmanthus Fragrans is also susceptible to pestis and disease , so monitor the plant on a regular basis and assume preventative measure is important .
Grooming and Maintenance
Osmanthus Fragrans only require minimum pruning , but occasional grooming can help maintain its shape and advertize level-headed growth . It can also be crop into an espalier , small , or a tree .
Do so by slay damaged or numb outgrowth in former give to ameliorate atmosphere circulation . This will also help forestall pests and disease .
cut short off the plant ’s grow tips will also maintain the heavyset size of it and advance bushiness .
However , refrain from pruning too much because it can stymy the works from blooming , which usually takes about two years to resume good flowering .
How To Propagate Sweet Osmanthus
Sweet Osmanthus can be propagated by seed , cutting , or layer .
extension by cuttings is the most common method , and it ’s best to take it in tardy spring or former summertime .
Here ’s what you need to do :
In line , layering generation imply bending a down offshoot to the undercoat and burying it in the filth to elevate root formation .
Fragrant Tea Olive Pest and Diseases
Fragrant Tea Olive is near pest and disease - resistant but can be susceptible to a few vulgar issue .
Therefore , monitor the plant regularly to identify any problem early and take corrective activeness to prevent further harm is important .
Here are examples of common louse pests that attack the Fragrant Tea Olives :
Scale Insects
These modest , ellipse - shaped insects feed on the plant ’s sap , make yellowing and wilting of the evergreen leaf .
musical scale dirt ball can be treated using insecticidal soap , Neem oil , or horticultural oil . It can also be controlled by unconstipated pruning .
Spider Mites
These petite , spider - alike worm also feed on the plant ’s muggins and can stimulate the glossy leaves to twist yellow-bellied and brown . It also lead to leaf discolouration .
wanderer mites can be controlled by regular pruning , increase humidness , and using insecticidal soap .
Aphids
These belittled , flaccid - bodied worm can be line up feeding on the bottom of the foliage , causing them to curl and distort .
aphid can be treated by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil .
Moreover , here are common diseases that Sweet Osmanthus may be susceptible to :
Leaf Spot
This fungous disease causes brown spots on the leaves , leading to defoliation and weakened growth .
The leafage spot can be preclude by ensuring the sound works has right air circulation and avoiding overhead watering . If the disease is already present , regale it with a fungicide .
Root Rot
This disease is induce by overwatering and hapless drainage , making the etymon waterlogged and susceptible to fungous infections .
To keep etymon rot , ensure the soil is well - draining , and invalidate overwatering .
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease come along as a white powdery substance on the leave stems , and flowers , stimulate them to become misrepresented and stunted .
Powdery mold can be keep by ensuring the plant has right air circulation , avoiding overhead tearing , and treating it with a fungicide .
Sweet Olive Uses in the Landscape
Sweet Olive is a pop ornamental plant life in the landscape painting due to its attractive foliage and fragrant creamy white prime .
It ’s an extremely long - live plant , making it an fantabulous choice as a hedgerow or screen , foundation planting , or as part of a sundry border .
It also works well in a country , Asiatic , and bungalow gardens as privacy hedge or espalier .
you may also enjoy this flora ’s delightful fragrance when placed near patios , entrances , and pathways , as it fills the blank with its sweet aroma .
Moreover , Osmanthus fragrans also make a adorable houseplant or container plant life . It also wait great in specimen planting within natural country or prime beds .
The works ’s butter - yellow flower and leaves are also used in Camellia sinensis , and the flora has medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine .
Conclusion
Osmanthus Fragrans is a versatile and beautiful industrial plant that can heighten any landscape with its attractive foliage and white prime intoxicating perfume .
you’re able to enjoy this adorable plant in your garden and landscape painting by provide the plant with the proper growing condition , including wanton , temperature , lacrimation , and fertilization , and take preventative measures against blighter and disease .
