Burkwood Osmanthus Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Burkwood osmanthus is a hybrid evergreen shrub or small tree in the olive family (Oleaceae). The parents of this hybrid are the Delavay tea olive (Osmanthus delavayi) and Osmanthus decorus, a species from Turkey. The genus name comes from the Greek words for fragrant (osme) and flower (anthos). The hybrid epithet commemorates Burkwood and Skipwith Ltd., the English nursery where the hybrid was created, 

Place this shrub in an area with average well-drained soils anywhere from full sun to partial shade, though flower production is best in full sun. While it will not tolerate wet feet, it does appreciate supplemental irrigation. It tolerates heavy clay, alkaline soils, pollution, shade and drought.

Burkwood osmanthus is a dense, slow-growing, large shrub that has dark green, leathery, semi-glossy leaves. Small clusters of tubular white flowers with four lobes appear in the axils of leaves in spring. While the flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, they are highly aromatic with a fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. Flowers appear on last season's wood; therefore, it is best to prune directly after flowering. The fruits are blue to purplish black drupes that ripen in the fall, although they are seldom produced in cultivation. The evergreen foliage gives this shrub year-round interest.   

Utilize this easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrub as a screening hedge or as a specimen plant in a sensory garden. It is also ideal for a woodland setting. It is an excellent choice for that difficult dry shade corner of the landscape. Deer browsing is almost nonexistent for this plant.  

Quick ID Hints:

• Evergreen shrub with opposite, decussate leaf arrangement.
• Two types of leaves: serrulate and entire.
• Lenticels on the stems
• Fragrant, inconspicuous flowers in spring

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