Plant of the Month
The Opulent Osmanthus By Kelley M. Heim, Garden Gate Landscaping
Gallant and resilient, Osmanthus heterophyllus provides a plethora of benefits when incorporated into the landscape. An eye-catching broadleaf evergreen that is all but completely deer resistant, it’s a wonder that this champion of the garden isn’t more widely used. While albeit not a native species, and a member of the at-times unpopular olive family, this lovely shrub can withstand a multitude of site issues and does not display the invasive tendencies of its other cousins. The iridescent navy-blue fruit rarely results in viable seedlings, but some cultivars are the exception. O. heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’ has been found growing true to seed with its peculiar deeply incised leaves, but the one or two seedlings are easily removed by hand, hardly qualifying it as an invasive species, and thus, it should not be regarded as one. Among the many reasons to use O. heterophyllus is its ability to tolerate
heavy pruning, even with electric shears, and not only live to tell the tale, but brag about it. The extensive range of cultivars can thrive in shade, sun, mild drought, and surface runoff. Also, as with other species of this shrub, O. heterophyllus is resistant to most disease, pests, and fungal problems. In addition, its waxy leaves create a dense and luxurious planting that offers the finest backdrop to any formal garden room and simultaneously invites wildlife to find refuge in its thick foliage. If another point of persuasion were needed, Osmanthus has a gloriously sweet fragrance that weaves its way into the landscape from its diminutive and unassuming blossoms. Bloom time varies slightly and seems to depend on previous weather patterns, mostly rain and drought. But generally, from the moment GROUNDWORK
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fall bulb planting begins until the blossoms of the Prunus mume (Japanese apricot) quietly disappear in late winter, Osmanthus may grace us with her tender and sophisticated fragrance. This versatile shrub comes in a multitude of cultivars varying in growth
New growth on O. heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’.
J A N UA RY/FEBRUA RY 2022
