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Last Updated: Nov 14, 2008 - 12:49:26 PM |
Of the evergreen shrubs I have grown lately, the one that has been most rewarding is Osmanthus fragrans, also known as sweet or tea olive. Tucked against the fence in a corner of our backyard, the shrub has not only grown considerably in just a few years, but doesn’t fail to bloom from fall to spring, without making any undue demands on me.
While I can’t exactly lay my hands on the reason – whether it is the delicate, fragrant flowers the shrub bears or it is the overall handsome appearance – that enticed me to grow an Osmanthus, I do feel a deep sense of gratitude every time I see the tender new growth, indicative of the fact that the shrub has adjusted to the location.
A member of the jasmine family, which embraces plants with scented flowers, an Osmanthus is truly an asset in the garden. Aside from being an evergreen, the glossy, dark green leaves are borne in opposite pairs, a feature not seen very often, thus giving the shrub a distinct look. In fact, for an upcoming floral design workshop in the garden club I belong to, one of the suggested greenery for us to bring is that of Osmanthus.
To add to the merits, in late fall when most of the garden already is or planning to go dormant, the shrubs bear the tiniest creamy-white flowers either singly or in clusters at the axils of the leaves. So dainty are the flowers that for a miniature flower design, I had to use a pair of tweezers to put them in place. Also, as the name suggests, the flowers emit a very sweet smell.
Though some species of Osmanthus are relatively hardier, O.fragrans is borderline hardy in our area and therefore some protection is necessary at least during the first winter to avoid weather-related injury. As ours is growing within the fence on two of the sides, it is to a certain extent sheltered from winter winds that can be quite detrimental. However, to be on the safe side, when the nights started to turn cold, I enclosed the newly planted shrub with a cloth sheet, adding dried leaves on the top for further insulation.
A little slow to get started, but once established, our specimen caught on quickly and has now outgrown the six-foot fence, thriving only on a few hours of morning and almost the same of the late afternoon sun; the soil, fortunately is well-drained too, another of the preferences the shrub has. Must have something to do with luck!
gitaagrawal@juno.com | 751-0421
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