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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 4 to 6 feet
Flower color: White, fragrant
Foliage color: Dark green, glossy
Bloom time: Spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low to moderate
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies

Shrubs

Osmanthus x burkwoodii

Burkwood Osmanthus

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a versatile evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded growth habit and small, leathery, dark green leaves that are glossy and finely toothed, providing a lush backdrop year-round and adding texture to the landscape. In spring, clusters of small, white, highly fragrant flowers appear, perfuming the air with a delightful, sweet scent and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Burkwood Osmanthus thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location, tolerating a wide range of soil types and pH levels, making it adaptable to various garden conditions.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Borders
Hedging & Privacy
Fragrant Gardens

Companion plants

Russian sage · Blue fescues · Coreopsis · Yarrow · Daylilies · Creeping phlox

Design tip

Position Burkwood osmanthus near an outdoor living area or another frequently used part of the garden where its strong spring fragrance can be fully appreciated. Prune shortly after flowering when shaping is necessary so the following season’s floral display remains a prominent feature.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)