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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Osmanthus_delavayi is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft) by 3.5 m (11ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Siphonosmanthus delavayi.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Can be grown as a tall hedge, it is quite amenable to trimming[29].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade[184], but flowering more freely in a sunny position[182]. Thrives in chalky conditions[200]. Dislikes unduly exposed positions[11] and requires shelter from freezing winds[200]. Hardy to about -15°c[184]. A very ornamental plant[1], the flowers are sweetly scented[182]. It is fairly slow-growing[219]. One report says that fruits are only occasionally produced in Britain[182] whilst another says that plants self-sow in Cornwall[11]. Plants are very amenable to pruning and can be kept quite small by cutting them back after flowering.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[200]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[113]. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat[11]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later[78]. Layering in spring[200] or autumn[78]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guizhou Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Osmanthus delavayi		Shrub	3.5	6-9	S	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Osmanthus_delavayi - Franch.