Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Burkwood osmanthus is an Asian hybrid evergreen shrub or small tree in the Oleaceae (olive) family.  The parents of this plant are the Chinese Osmanthus delavayi and the Turkish Osmanthus decorus. The genus name is derived from the Greek osme, meaning fragrance, and anthos, meaning flowers.  Burkwoodii is in reference to Burkwood and Shipwith, an English nursery where the hybrid was created, 

Locate in an area with average well-drained soils anywhere from full sun to full shade though flower production is best in full sun.  While it will not tolerate wet feet, it does appreciate supplemental irrigation.  With a tall and dense growth habit, Burkwood osmanthus reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and wide and is said to resemble a haystack.   Zones 6-8 are ideal, though this shrub will grow slowly even under perfect conditions.  

Blooms of tubular white flowers appear in the axils of leaves in spring and while the flowers are somewhat inconspicuous they are highly aromatic with a fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. Flowers appear on last season's wood so prune to shape directly after flowering.  Blue-black fruits follow the flowers and with its dark glossy leathery evergreen leaves, this shrub has year-round interest.   

It tolerates heavy clay, alkaline soils, pollution, shade, and drought.  An excellent choice for that difficult dry shade corner of the landscape.  Deer browsing is almost nonexistent for this plant.  

Utilize this easy to grow, low maintenance shrub as a screening hedge or as a specimen plant in a sensory garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• Two types of leaves, serrulate and entire
• Opposite leaves with lenticeled stem
• Fragrant, inconspicuous flowers in spring
• Evergreen shrub with decussate leaf arrangement

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious pest and disease problems.

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University