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Common Name:

General Information

Osmanthus delavayi is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3.50 metres tall.
The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a hedge

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - W. China in Yunnan.

Habitat

Dry hillsides, in scrub and forest, often on limestone[]. Montane regions, ravines, thickets and mixed woods at elevations of 2100 - 3400 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade[], but flowering more freely in a sunny position[]. Thrives in chalky conditions[]. Dislikes unduly exposed positions[] and requires shelter from freezing winds[].
Hardy to about -15°c[].
A very ornamental plant[], the flowers are sweetly scented[]. It is fairly slow-growing[].
One report says that fruits are only occasionally produced in Britain[] whilst another says that plants self-sow in Cornwall[].
Plants are very amenable to pruning and can be kept quite small by cutting them back after flowering.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Can be grown as a tall hedge, it is quite amenable to trimming[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[]. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/early autumn in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later[].
Layering in spring[] or autumn[]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[].