Fortune's osmanthus

Sun

Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is helpful in hot climates.

Water

Water regularly while establishing; once established, water deeply during prolonged dry spells.

Soil

Well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, preferably slightly acidic; tolerates clay if drainage is good.

Height

15-25 ft (4.6-7.6 m)

Spread

10-20 ft (3-6.1 m)

Flowers

Small white to creamy-white, strongly fragrant flowers in autumn, tucked into the leaf axils.

Foliage

Evergreen. Opposite pairs of leathery, glossy, dark green leaves; younger growth often has conspicuous spiny teeth, while mature growth may have fewer teeth.

Growth

Moderate

Care needed

Low

• Pollinators
• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Wildlife
• Low allergen
• Fragrant

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Fairly tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   2.4 ft (0.73 m)

2. After 1 year

   6 ft (1.8 m)

3. After 2 years

   9 ft (2.9 m)

4. After 3 years

   13 ft (4 m)

5. After 5 years

   20 ft (6.1 m)

   full size

About 5 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Growth rate

Moderate

• Plant where there is room for its mature width, away from narrow paths where spiny leaves could catch passers-by.
• Water deeply during the first two growing seasons whenever the root zone begins to dry.
• Apply 2-3 in (5-8 cm) of organic mulch, keeping it clear of the stems.
• In spring, feed lightly with a balanced slow-release fertiliser only if growth is weak or the soil is poor.
• In colder locations, choose a sheltered position out of drying winter winds.

Pruning. Remove dead or damaged wood in spring, once winter damage is clear. For size control, shorten selected branches in late winter or early spring; repeated summer shearing can reduce autumn flowering.

Spring

Plant in colder regions after hard frosts have passed, and water thoroughly.

Spring

Check for winter damage, prune selectively and refresh the mulch.

Summer

Water young plants during dry weather and check leaves and stems for scale insects.

Late summer

Take semi-ripe cuttings if you want to propagate the plant.

Autumn

Enjoy the fragrant flowers; plant new shrubs in mild climates while the soil is still warm.

Winter

Check that the root zone is not waterlogged, and water young plants during dry, frost-free spells.

• Grow as a tall evergreen screen along a boundary, allowing enough space for its broad outline.
• Place near a terrace or frequently used path for autumn fragrance, with the foliage set back from passing traffic.
• Use as a dark green backdrop for camellias, hydrangeas and shade-tolerant perennials.
• Train as a small, multi-stemmed specimen tree by gradually removing selected lower branches.
• Use as a substantial formal hedge where occasional clipping is acceptable, recognising that clipping reduces flowers.

Garden styles it suits: Traditional, Formal, Woodland, Sensory garden, Low-maintenance and Japanese.

Plant it with: Camellias, Japanese maples, Oakleaf hydrangeas, Japanese anemones, Lenten roses and Autumn ferns.

Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for visiting insects in autumn, and dense evergreen growth offers shelter for birds. Fruit is uncommon on this hybrid.

• Scale insects can cause yellowing, sticky honeydew and sooty mould; remove small infestations by hand and use a labelled horticultural oil when appropriate.
• Root rot can develop in waterlogged soil; improve drainage before planting and avoid keeping established roots constantly wet.
• Winter wind and severe frost can scorch leaves or kill shoots; choose a sheltered site and wait until spring to assess and remove damaged growth.
• Poor flowering often follows repeated clipping or deep shade; reduce shearing and provide more light where practical.

Not known to be toxic to people, cats, dogs or horses, although information specific to this hybrid is limited. No part is recognised as poisonous; the stiff, spiny leaves can scratch skin and are not intended for eating.

• Holly osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus)

  Usually has smaller leaves with more pronounced, holly-like spines. Fortune's osmanthus generally has larger leaves and a more vigorous habit, though foliage overlaps.

• Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

  Usually has leaves with fine teeth or nearly smooth margins rather than the conspicuous spiny teeth often found on young Fortune's osmanthus growth.

• English holly (Ilex aquifolium)

  Holly has alternate leaves along the stems; Fortune's osmanthus has opposite pairs. Female hollies can carry conspicuous red berries, unlike this rarely fruiting hybrid.

Osmanthus comes from Greek words meaning fragrant flower, and fortunei honours the Scottish plant collector Robert Fortune.

Propagation. Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer and root them in a free-draining medium with gentle bottom heat and high humidity. Rooting can be slow; cuttings preserve the hybrid's characteristics.

Accepted botanical name

Osmanthus fortunei

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.