Osmanthus heterophyllus

The variable-leaved Osmanthus, in Latin Osmanthus heterophyllus, is an evergreen bush that is elegant and low-maintenance. Its use is similar to that of boxwood and its ornamental value is comparable to that of holly. Osmanthus surpasses the other two with its white flowering that spreads a beautiful jasmine fragrance with fruity notes at the end of the season. With its very dense habit and glossy, thin foliage, it is attractive all year round. Only its young leaves are prickly. It is a well-suited bush for creating medium-sized hedges or spherical topiaries. Osmanthus with holly-like leaves are bushes that tolerate pruning perfectly and are within the reach of beginner gardeners or those lacking inspiration. Plant them in ordinary soil, in all exposures, in all regions!

Osmanthus heterophyllus is a hardy bush that can withstand temperatures below -15°C (5°F), originating from Japan and Taiwan. It belongs to the large and rich family of oleaceae, which also includes olive trees, lilacs, and jasmines, for example.

The growth of this bush is quite slow, but faster than that of holly. It has a dense, bushy habit, slightly taller than wide in mature subjects. At maturity, it reaches approximately 2.50 m (8ft) in all directions. In very favourable conditions, it can exceed 3 m (10ft) in all directions. Its bark is grey or blackish and peels off in small flakes over time. The evergreen foliage is composed of oval, thick and leathery leaves, strongly toothed along the edges, and spiny when young, arranged in an opposite pattern on the branches. They measure 4.5 to 6 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) long and 2.5 cm (1in) wide. They are pubescent and yellowish underneath. From September to October, small clusters of white flowers appear at the axils of the leaves on the current year's shoots. They measure 2 to 5 mm (0in) in diameter and emit a complex fragrance reminiscent of jasmine, but lighter, softened by notes of apricot and peach. After pollination by pollinating insects, the flowers are followed by the formation of blue-black fruits, 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2in) long.

Osmanthus heterophyllus is no more demanding 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, or in a grove. Regularly pruned, it can be cultivated in a large container where it will perfectly serve as a windbreak or screen on a patio or balcony. Plant it near a pathway to fully enjoy its fragrance. It tolerates pruning well (in spring to not compromise flowering) and is suitable for topiary art, composing magnificent evergreen hedges. It can be combined with other shrubs that bloom in autumn and winter, such as Elaeagnus ebbingei, Mahonia 'Charity', or Sarcococca confusa, in partial shade. Their fragrant blooms will succeed each other from autumn to early spring, bringing flowers and fragrance to the garden during a period of the year that is poor in blooms.

Properties and uses:

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