OSMANTHUS varieties – Scented Sweet Olive 🌼

OSMANTHUS fragrans - Sweet Olive

Native to East Asia, the OSMANTHUS varieties are literally a sweet choice of tree, as you can use their flowers to remove any bitterness from cooking recipes, or even use them to produce a sugary syrup. They have a strong fragrance which is entirely pleasant, and unsurprisingly, whilst many flower petals are bitter, OSMANTHUS petals are not.  Hence the syrup concoction or their use to flavor teas, even wine. 

In Hong Kong, 5 star hotels are known to pump the fragrance into the lobby, creating a delicate and elegant olfactory experience for new arrivals, whilst extracts from the flowers are known to be used in some of the more expensive and exclusive perfumes.

OSMANTHUS fragrans - Scented Sweet Olive

OSMANTHUS fragrans - May

(in flower now)

Also known as the False Holly, OSMANTHUS fragrans is an upright evergreen shrub, with a broadleaf and dense habit.  The leaves are green and glossy, but it’s the small, cream-white flowers that will get your attention.  The sweet smell from the flowers, which emerge in Autumn, will carry well in the breeze and infuse your landscape with its warming scent.  It really is a 5 star experience.

Suitable for hedging and screening, you can expect this hardy shrub or tree to grow to 3m+

OSMANTHUS fragrans 25lt - February

OSMANTHUS fragrans, 25lt container @ 1.5m+ (measured from top of bag) – approx 5 year old

Also available in:

12lt container @ 1-1.2m+ (measured from top of bag)

OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Purpurea' - Purple Scented Olive

OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Purpurea' - Purple Scented Olive

(in flower now)

The Purple Scented Olive, also known as the ‘Purple False Holly’, is remarkably tough and versatile. The inky-purple tones of the leathery leaves in summer make for a neat contrast and arresting sight. Lightly spined and holly-like, they carry a bit of power.  As does the fragrance from the white flowers in late Summer and Autumn.

Easy to grow, the dense habit of this evergreen makes this plant most suitable for hedging and screening.  It’ll grow to 3 x 3m

OSMANTHUS heterophyllus 'Purpurea' 25lt - January

OSMANTHUS heterophyllus ‘Purpurea’, 25lt container @ 1.5m+ (measured from top of bag) – approx 5-6 year old
Archives