Osmanthus fragrans Fudingzhu (Fragrant Olive)

Osmanthus fragrans 'Fudingzhu' (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful fragrance of its flowers. Blooming profusely from fall to spring, the large clusters of tiny, creamy-white 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. A superior selection of Fragrant Olive.

• 2009 Georgia Gold Medal Plant selection
• Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall (240-360 cm) and wide 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 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.