About this product

Osmanthus × burkwoodii

Osmanthus × burkwoodii

Confirmed supplied format: 3L pot

Plant Highlights: Intensely fragrant white spring flowers • Dense evergreen foliage • Ideal for hedging and screening • RHS Award of Garden Merit • Easy to shape and maintain

Overview

Osmanthus × burkwoodii is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its glossy dark green foliage and wonderfully fragrant spring flowers. During April and May, clusters of small white blooms appear along the stems, filling the surrounding area with a rich, sweet perfume that is often noticed before the flowers are seen. The dense branching habit provides reliable year-round structure and makes it an excellent choice for both formal and informal planting schemes.

Growing to approximately 2–3 metres in height and spread if left unpruned, this versatile shrub responds well to trimming and can easily be maintained at a smaller size. It is equally at home as an evergreen hedge, an attractive screening plant, or as a specimen shrub in mixed borders where its spring fragrance can be enjoyed close to paths, entrances or seating areas.

Why We Love It

• Intensely sweet-scented white flowers brighten the garden in mid to late spring.

• Glossy evergreen foliage provides structure and colour throughout the year.

• Naturally dense growth is ideal for hedging, screening and privacy.

• Easy to prune and maintain at the desired size.

• Recipient of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit for outstanding garden performance.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in full sun or partial shade. A sheltered position encourages the best flowering, although established plants cope well in a range of garden situations.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season while roots establish. Once established, additional watering is generally only needed during prolonged dry spells. Container-grown shrubs should be checked more frequently during warm weather.

Soil

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter before planting. It adapts to most soil types provided drainage is good and the ground does not remain waterlogged.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Hardy throughout most of Ireland. Young plants benefit from shelter from cold, drying winds during their first winter, while good drainage helps prevent root problems in wet conditions.

Routine Care

Prune lightly after flowering if shaping is required or to maintain a formal hedge. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser and mulch around the base with organic matter to help retain moisture and improve soil health.

Perfect For

• Evergreen hedging and privacy screening.

• Mixed shrub borders and foundation planting.

• Fragrant gardens close to entrances, patios and seating areas.

• Formal and informal garden designs.

• Low-maintenance gardens requiring year-round structure.

Good to Know

Although capable of reaching around 2–3 metres over time, Osmanthus × burkwoodii responds exceptionally well to pruning, making it easy to maintain as a compact hedge or feature shrub. Its flowers are small in size but exceptionally fragrant, making scent one of its greatest garden qualities.

Product Information

• Botanical Name: Osmanthus × burkwoodii

• Supplied Format: 3L pot

• Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit