Plant Profile: Osmanthus x fortunei

Osmanthus x fortunei is a hybrid resulting from the crossbreeding of O. fragrans and O. heterophyllus. This evergreen shrub features a dense, oval-rounded form, reaching heights of 20 to 25 feet. It produces subtle flowers in late fall, which emit a distinctly sweet fragrance. The leaves at the top of the plant are entire (adult morphology), while those lower down are typically toothed (juvenile morphology). Commonly, this shrub is used in hedges, as foundation plantings, screens, or as a standalone specimen, and it can also be pruned into a small tree shape. It thrives in full sunlight and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil, although it can tolerate alkaline conditions, pollution, and partial shade. The growth rate is slow, and it generally faces minimal issues with pests or diseases.

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