Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a beautiful flowering shrub that is perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden. It has a sweet, apricot-like fragrance that can fill the air with its delightful scent.
This hardy evergreen shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and has a spread of about 6 feet. It produces clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is easy to care for and can be grown in full sun to partial shade.
It is also drought tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures. With its fragrant flowers and evergreen foliage, Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a great addition to any garden.
Benefits of growing osmanthus x burkwoodii
Osmanthus x burkwoodii, an evergreen shrub of the Oleaceae family, is an incredibly special plant found in a variety of Mediterranean, Asian and Central American countries. It is popular for the fragrant clusters of small white flowers, which carry a scent of apricot blossom, that bloom in autumn and last for about a month.
Bred by crossing Osmanthus Aquifolium, commonly known as Holly Osmanthus, with Osmanthus Delavayi, it is also known as ‘Burkwood’s Osmanthus’ or ‘Sarolini’ in Italy and ‘Purple Sweet Osmanthus’ in China. The benefits of growing Osmanthus x Burkwoodii are numerous. Most notably, the plant grows to a moderate height between 6-7 feet, making it an ideal choice for gardens with limited space.
Moreover, the evergreen foliage of the shrub is perfect for creating privacy screens or hedgerows, with its bright green foliage year-round. Plus, the fragrant blossoms of the plant can help attract pollinators to your garden, and pollination brings a higher rate of success in terms of producing fruits and vegetables. In addition to its beauty and practical uses, Osmanthus x Burkwoodii is surprisingly easy to care for.
Once established, the shrub requires very little maintenance – trim only for size or form. The tolerant shrub does well in both full and partial sun and is pretty hardy.
It has a long lifespan and will tolerate temperatures as low as -15C, should the need arise. Overall, Osmanthus x Burkwoodii is an ideal shrub for any garden, regardless of its size.
Its stunning scented white blooms, easy maintenance and evergreen foliage provide many benefits to gardeners, from added privacy screening to attracting pollinators for a more successful fruit and vegetable harvest.
Tips for planting and caring for osmanthus x burkwoodii
– UKAs a UK garden expert, I can attest that Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a great way to add some colour and a pleasing fragrance to any garden. Native to temperate Asia, this evergreen shrub grows to around 3m in height and width and produces attractive white blooms in the spring, with a powerful and distinctive sweet-apricot smell. While the flowers don’t last very long, the leaves of the Osmanthus x burkwoodii are a deep green that will add a vibrant sheen throughout the year.
If you want to get the most out of your Osmanthus x burkwoodii (also known as Pine-Fruit-Blossom) there are a few tips that you should consider when planting and caring for the shrub. Firstly, it’s best to plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil – this will help keep the plant healthy and promote long-term blooming.
When planting, make sure the entire root system is below ground and give it plenty of room to spread out and take advantage of the sun. After planting, it’s important to water consistently, especially during times of drought. Finally, regular fertilising and pruning are essential if you want your Osmanthus x burkwoodii to remain in optimum condition.
As a slow-growing shrub, it may not need pruning every year, but checking it at least once a season will help determine whether some extra maintenance is required. Feeding the plant at least twice a year with a compost mix will help encourage strong, healthy growth and abundant blooms.
With the right care, your Osmanthus x burkwoodii will reward you with a display of beautiful white flowers and pleasant aromas every spring!
Common problems with osmanthus x burkwoodii
As many UK gardeners know, the Osmanthus x Burkwoodii is a beautiful evergreen shrub, with highly fragrant white flowers and handsome foliage. While these shrubs can be a wonderful addition to any landscape, they can unfortunately prove tricky to grow in the British climate. Here, we discuss some common problems encountered in the cultivation of Osmanthus x Burkwoodii, and provide some practical solutions.
One of the most familiar issues with the shrub is that it prefers an acidic soil. Soils in the UK are thus often too alkaline for the plant to thrive, and as a result, gardeners may find their Osmanthus x Burkwoodii is failing to thrive – yellowing foliage, reduced flowering and a general lack of vigour may occur.
To avoid such problems, strive to recreate a soil as near to an acid soil as possible by digging in plenty of organic material and, if necessary, applying a soil acidifier or specialised fertiliser rich in trace elements. Another issue which growers can encounter with Osmanthus x Burkwoodii is that it does not tolerate cold temperatures. Even mild winters are capable of damaging and weakening the shrub, so sheltered spots are best if you wish to grow the shrub in cooler parts of the UK.
If you live in a cold area, attempt to recreate a microclimate by planting your shrub near a south-facing wall and introducing windbreaks, to give it as much protection from the elements as possible. Finally, gardeners should remember that Osmanthus x Burkwoodii needs plenty of water, especially during the summer months when temperatures are higher.
If the soil dries out too much, the shrub will become increasingly stressed and may eventually die. As a result, be sure to provide your Osmanthus x Burkwoodii with adequate irrigation and, if possible, mulch the base of the shrub with a layer of compost or bark chips to help lock in moisture and protect the roots from heat.
Overall, whilst it is true that growing Osmanthus x Burkwoodii can be a challenge, it is nonetheless a beautiful and versatile plant well worth a place in the average UK garden. By following the above advice and taking time to create the right conditions for successful growth, gardeners can look forward to a healthy and vibrant Osmanthus x Burkwoodii in their outdoor space.
Our video recommendation
Conclusion
Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a hybrid of Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus heterophyllus. It is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers and glossy dark green foliage. It is a popular ornamental plant, and can be used as a hedge or a specimen plant.
It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a great choice for gardeners. Its fragrant blooms add beauty and fragrance to any garden.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Osmanthus x burkwoodii?
The scientific name of Osmanthus x burkwoodii is Osmanthus × burkwoodii.
What are the characteristics of Osmanthus x burkwoodii?
Osmanthus x burkwoodii is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage. It produces fragrant, white flowers in late spring and early summer. It is a low-maintenance shrub, drought-tolerant, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is also deer-resistant and can grow to heights of up to 8 feet.
How can Osmanthus x burkwoodii be propagated?
Osmanthus x burkwoodii can be propagated by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn and rooting them in a well-draining potting mix.
What is the ideal climate for Osmanthus x burkwoodii?
The ideal climate for Osmanthus x burkwoodii is one with mild winters and warm summers, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 30°C. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
What are the common pests and diseases of Osmanthus x burkwoodii?
Common pests and diseases of Osmanthus x burkwoodii include aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
How often should Osmanthus x burkwoodii be watered?
Osmanthus x burkwoodii should be watered once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
