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Fragrant tea olive: Osmanthus fragransOther common names: osmanthus
Filling the garden or conservatory with an intoxicating scent, osmanthus produces tiny, white flowers atop its attractive, glossy, dark-green foliage. In bloom from spring until fall, this shrub bears blue-black fruit and can be grown as a small tree in areas with warm winter temperatures. Profile
did you know?Fragrant tea olive has been cultivated for centuries in China where its intensely scented flowers were used as offerings to the gods. Derived from the Greek "fragrant," and "flower," it is clear why the heady scent of this shrub's blossoms have always been valued. general maintenance:Osmanthus needs little care and actually resents heavy pruning. In Zone 8, cold winter temperature may defoliate the shrub and kill tender young stems. In early spring, prune away damaged or crossing branches. To help protect from cold, wrap the shrub in burlap in fall. pests/diseases:Osmanthus is a relatively carefree shrub. how to sow/plant:Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for shrub to reach its mature spread. In early spring, dig a holetwice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in the pot, or if balled, even with top of root ball. Fill in hole around plant with soil, mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of the hole to act as a catchbasin. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before planting. Burlap may be left around root ball and then peeled back once plant is set in hole. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant. water and fertilize:Maintain uniform soil moisture the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once shrub is established, usually by the third year, water only in times of drought. garden hint:This species of osmanthus is easily damaged by cold temperatures. In Zone 8, place this plant near a warm sunny wall or in an area sheltered from winter winds. In colder zones, grow osmanthus in containers that can be overwintered in a greenhouse or sunny window. features:
garden uses:
other uses:
From Martha Stewart Plant Encyclopedia
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