Osmanthus heterophyllus Gulftide

The Osmanthus heterophyllus Gulftide is an evergreen bush with a very dense habit, whose ornamental value is comparable to that of holly and whose white flowering spreads a beautiful fragrance of jasmine with fruity notes at the end of the season. With its thick and prickly dark green and shiny foliage, it is attractive all year round. It is suitable for creating medium-sized hedges that are evergreen, fragrant, and defensive. Osmanthus are shrubs that tolerate pruning perfectly and whose cultivation is easy for beginner gardeners or those lacking inspiration. Plant them in ordinary soil, in all exposures.

The osmanthus heterophyllus, also known as the Variable-leaved Osmanthus, is a hardy bush beyond -15°C (5°F), native to Japan and Taiwan. It belongs to the very large and rich family of Oleaceae, which includes, for example, olive trees, lilacs, and jasmines. The 'Gulftide' cultivar was selected for its compact habit, dense growth, and very beautiful toothed and spiny foliage that really resembles holly.

The growth of this bush is quite slow, but still faster than holly. It has a bushy habit, taller than wide, reaching approximately 2m (6.6ft) in height and 1m (3.3ft) in width at maturity. The persistent foliage is composed of oval, thick and tough, strongly serrated, spiny leaves that resemble those of holly. They measure 4.5 to 6cm (2.4in) long and 3cm (1.2in) wide, shiny dark green on the upper side but lighter underneath. From September to October, small clusters of white flowers appear on that year's shoots, in the axils of the leaves. They measure 2 to 5mm (0.2in) in diameter and have a complex fragrance reminiscent of jasmine, but lighter, softened by notes of apricot and peach. The flowers, after pollination, are followed by the formation of blue-black fruits, 0.5 to 1cm (0.4in) long.

The Osmanthus heterophyllus Gulftide is no more difficult to grow than boxwood or holly, adapts to a wide range of soils and exposures, and is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. It can be used in shrub beds, as a trimmed or untrimmed, flowering or defensive hedge, as a standalone plant, or even in a large container, where it will perfectly fulfill its role as a windbreak or privacy screen on a terrace or balcony. Plant it near a path to fully enjoy its fragrance. Perfectly tolerant of pruning (in spring to avoid compromising flowering), it lends itself well to topiary art and forms beautiful evergreen hedges. It can be associated with other shrubs that bloom in autumn and winter, such as Elaeagnus, Mahonia, Sarcococca, or Garrya elliptica, in partial shade.

Properties and uses:

Osmanthus flowers are sometimes mixed with tea, to flavour it, or in biscuits, and are used in the production of a very ancient traditional Chinese liqueur served in jade cups. Perfumery also uses osmanthus extract in the composition of high-end perfumes and cosmetics. Osmanthus extract also has repellent properties against insects. The bark and roots are part of traditional Asian medicine and are used to treat various inflammatory conditions or chronic coughs.