Burkwood Osmanthus Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Burkwood osmanthus is an Asian hybrid evergreen shrub or small tree in the Oleaceae or olive family.  The parents of this plant are the Chinese Osmanthus delavayi and the Turkish Osmanthus decorus. It is a dense, slow-growing, and large shrub that has dark green semi-glossy leaves, and clusters of small fragrant flowers in the spring. It seldom produces fruits, but if seen they are small, oval, blue to purplish-black drupes. With a tall and dense growth habit, Burkwood osmanthus reaches up to 8 feet tall and is equally as wide.  Zones 6 to 8 are ideal for planting, though this shrub will grow slowly even under perfect conditions.  

The genus name is derived from the Greek osme, meaning fragrance, and anthos, meaning flowers. Burkwoodii refers to Burkwood and Shipwith which is an English nursery where the hybrid was created, 

Locate 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.

Blooms 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 in the spring; therefore, it is best to prune directly after flowering. Blue to purplish black fruits may follow the flowers in the fall. With dark green semi-glossy leathery evergreen leaves, this shrub has 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. An excellent choice for that difficult dry shade corner of the landscape. Deer browsing is almost nonexistent for this plant.  

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring          Foliage:  Year-round         Fruits: Fall (rarely seen)

Quick ID Hints:

• Two types of leaves, serrulate and entire
• Opposite leaves
• Lenticels on the stems
• 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