Osmanthus fragrans Conger Yellow (Fragrant Olive)
Osmanthus fragrans 'Conger Yellow' (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful apricot fragrance of its flowers. Blooming profusely in spring and early summer, they continue sporadically throughout the rest of the year. The dainty clusters of tiny, butter-yellow flowers cover this densely branched shrub. The evergreen foliage of oval, leathery leaves retains its lustrous dark green color year-round. Its fruit is also an excellent food source for a variety of birds. Bark, when exposed, is smooth, gray-brown, and attractive. The dense growth habit and lush evergreen foliage make Fragrant Olive an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and specimen plants. Slow-growing and easy in cultivation, Osmanthus makes a good container plant too.
- Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (300-450 cm). Clip off growing tips to maintain compact size and to encourage bushiness
- A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates heavy clays. Drought tolerant once established.
- May be trained as a small tree, shrub, hedge, or espalier. Can be grown in containers.
- Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for scale and aphids.
- Native to the Himalayas, Japan, China.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 8 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Osmanthus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Spread | 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m) |
Spacing | 120″ – 144″ (300cm – 360cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Clay Soil, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |