Osmanthus

I don’t garden without Osmanthus burkwoodii. It is hardy, evergreen, rounded with glossy, finely toothed, dark green leaves beautifully offset by highly scented, jasmine like, delicate white flowers in late winter and early spring. It will take pruning too if pruned at the right time so as not to sacrifice next year’s flowers.

In my own garden, I have them shaped in balls dotted around my driveway creating much needed evergreen structure. The scent is so enchanting yet elusive that it lures people into the garden path.

Most species in the Osmanthus genus originate in China and East Asia. I still remember fondly the sweet scent of Osmanthus fragrans when growing up in China. We use its fresh flowers for baking and to garnish salads. It is heaven!

Pictured here is a Chinese Osmanthus farm featuring Osmanthus fragrans var. thorntonii.