Burkwood Osmanthus Osmanthus × burkwoodii
ABOUT
Osmanthus × burkwoodii, commonly known as Burkwood Osmanthus, is a dense, rounded evergreen shrub that boasts small, oval to oblong, glossy leaves. The foliage is dark green and may have finely toothed margins which gives the plant a lush, textured appearance. One of the most remarkable features of the Burkwood Osmanthus is its fragrant flowers. The blooms are small, white, and often found in clusters, exuding a delightful scent that can be noticed from a distance and typically appear in the spring. These flowers not only add to the ornamental value of the plant but also attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Following the flowering period, the shrub may produce small, blue-black berries which add to its decorative appeal. Overall, the Burkwood Osmanthus presents as a well-branched, compact shrub with a neat appearance that makes it suitable for hedges, screens, and use in mixed borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae.
Synonyms
Burkwood Osmanthus, Burkwood's Osmanthus, Burkwoodii.
Common names
Osmanthus × burkwoodii.
ToxicityTo humans
Burkwood Osmanthus is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of any part of this plant typically does not lead to poisoning or related symptoms in people.
To pets
Burkwood Osmanthus, while not known to be highly toxic to pets, can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by animals. If a pet consumes parts of this plant, symptoms might include vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. However, it is relatively unlikely to cause severe poisoning or long-term health consequences in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Burkwood osmanthus offers attractive, glossy green foliage and clusters of fragrant white flowers that can enhance garden beauty.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers can attract pollinators such as bees, adding biodiversity to the garden.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a hedge or screen for privacy.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Burkwood osmanthus is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering compared to other ornamental plants.
- Low Maintenance: It is generally low maintenance, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its evergreen leaves and blooms mainly in spring, sometimes with a second flush in autumn.
- Hardiness: It is fairly resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it a hardy option for many landscapes.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: Can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape, including in borders, as a specimen plant, or in containers.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Perfumery: The sweet fragrance of Osmanthus burkwoodii can be captured in perfumes and scented oils for a delightful and unique aroma.
- Culinary Ingredient: In some cultures, the flowers are used to flavor teas, desserts, and even to make sweet syrups used in cocktails or as a topping.
- Ornamental Carvings: The dense wood of Osmanthus burkwoodii can be carved into decorative items or small pieces of art.
- Species Conservation: It can be planted as part of biodiversity projects to conserve genetic diversity in plant species.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides shelter and is a potential nectar source for a variety of insects, especially bees and butterflies.
- Photography: Its attractive blooms make it a popular subject for garden and nature photographers.
- Festive Decorations: Branches laden with flowers may be used in springtime celebrations or as a natural and fragrant decoration in homes.
- Educational Resource: Used as a specimen for plant identification and horticulture training in gardening classes.
- Craft Material: Dried flowers might be incorporated into potpourri or used in homemade crafts for decoration or scent.
- Fragrant Boundary: Planted as hedging along property lines, it can create a pleasantly fragrant border that enhances the sensory experience of a space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Osmanthus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Osmanthus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fragrance: Osmanthus × burkwoodii, commonly known as Burkwood Osmanthus, is highly valued for its delightful fragrance, symbolizing sweetness and attraction.
- Beauty: With its attractive flowers, Burkwood Osmanthus represents beauty, charm, and aesthetic pleasure.
- New Beginnings: The blooming of this plant can signify new phases in life or new ventures, as it often blooms in spring.
- Peace: The overall calming appearance of Burkwood Osmanthus and its gentle scent can convey a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Good Fortune: In some cultures, the Osmanthus flower is associated with good luck and is often used in festive occasions as a symbol of prosperity.
WaterBurkwood osmanthus should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the first growing season, water the plant once a week with about 1.5 gallons to establish a good root system; this may be reduced once the plant is established. In the absence of rainfall, water mature plants every two to three weeks. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top inch should be dry to the touch. Over-watering can be detrimental, so ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
LightBurkwood osmanthus thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would offer morning sunlight with some afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. This plant is adaptable but prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun may cause leaf scorch, while insufficient light can result in reduced flowering.
TemperatureBurkwood osmanthus prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in USDA zones 7 through 9. They can withstand temperatures as low as 0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and as high as 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The ideal growing temperature for vigorous growth and blooming is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Burkwood osmanthus to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Pruning is best done after the plant has flowered in late spring or early summer. Annually removing any dead, damaged or crossing branches helps to keep the plant healthy. Significant pruning should be done sparingly as this plant does not require heavy cutting back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBurkwood osmanthus thrives in well-draining, fertile soil, ideally with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A perfect soil mix might include loam, peat moss, and coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Regular addition of organic material like compost will help maintain soil fertility and structure.
RepottingBurkwood osmanthus, being a slow to moderate grower, typically requires repotting every 3 to 4 years. It's essential to refresh the soil and prune the roots minimally during repotting to encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingBurkwood osmanthus is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to high humidity. It thrives outdoors in natural humidity but might require additional moisture when grown indoors in very dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Burkwood osmanthus in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Burkwood osmanthus in sun or partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleOsmanthus × burkwoodii, commonly known as Burkwood Osmanthus, begins its life as a seed, though it is most commonly propagated through cuttings from mature plants. After planting, the cutting takes root over several weeks, developing into a young plant characterized by its glossy evergreen leaves. As it matures, this shrubby plant enters a vegetative stage, where it grows steadily and can be shaped through pruning. The Burkwood Osmanthus reaches reproductive maturity in a few years, producing fragrant white flowers typically in mid-spring, which are attractive to pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers may develop into small, non-showy fruit that contain seeds, but these are infrequently produced. The plant continues to grow and can live for many years, going through annual cycles of flowering and, on occasion, fruiting.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Osmanthus × burkwoodii, commonly known as the Burkwood Osmanthus, is usually propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the summer months, around June to August. To propagate, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem that includes several leaves. The lower end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several weeks. It is important to maintain moisture and avoid direct sunlight during this rooting period to increase the chances of successful propagation.
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