Osmanthus hedge is renowned for it's dense foliage and fragrant blooms, making it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens and ornamental borders in gardens.
These evergreen shrubs are particularly valued for their glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of small, sweetly scented flowers, which appear from late summer to autumn.
The small, very fragrant flowers, often white or pale yellow, are jasmine like flowers that fill the air with a perfume reminiscent of apricots or peaches, adding an extra sensory dimension to the garden experience.
Choose from our most popular varieties of Osmanthus Hedging plants, available in a range of sizes and root types.
Osmanthus Hedge is an evergreen shrubs with leathery, opposite leaves and small, fragrant, tubular white, yellow or orange flowers with 4 lobes, followed by oval blue-black fruits
Growth rate: Slow 10-20cm per year
Overall height: Small up to 3 metres
Position: Sheltered
Root Types: Pot Grown
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Osmanthus burkwood hedging involves utilising various species of the Osmanthus genus to create living fences or garden boundaries.
One popular choice is Osmanthus × burkwoodii. Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a hybrid plant with white flowers and a lovely fragrance.
These plants are native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and the Himalayas. Known for their adaptability, Osmanthus shrubs can thrive in a range of soil types and climatic conditions, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Osmanthus hedges are low-maintenance and resistant to many common pests and diseases.
This durability ensures that they remain lush and attractive year-round with minimal care. Pruning is usually done in late winter or early spring to shape the hedge and encourage new growth, keeping the plants compact and healthy.
Whether used to frame a garden path or to provide a secluded retreat, Osmanthus hedging offers both functional and decorative benefits.
Osmanthus hedges come with a plethora of benefits and distinct features that make them a favoured choice among gardeners. One of the most notable benefits is their evergreen nature, ensuring that garden boundaries remain verdant and attractive throughout the year. The dense growth pattern of Osmanthus plants provides excellent coverage, making them ideal for creating private, secluded spaces in outdoor areas. Additionally, these hedges act as effective windbreaks and reduce noise pollution, enhancing the tranquillity of your garden.
Osmanthus burkwoodii is a slow growing evergreen shrub with dark green, ovate leaves and scented flowers. The fragrance of Osmanthus flowers is another remarkable feature that adds a delightful sensory element to any landscape. The sweet scent attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity within your garden.
Furthermore, the leaves of some varieties, such as Osmanthus heterophyllus, exhibit a unique holly-like appearance, adding an intriguing texture to your garden design.
Osmanthus shrubs are also known for their exceptional longevity and resilience. They can tolerate a range of temperatures and are relatively drought-resistant once established, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious gardeners. Their slow to moderate growth rate means they require less frequent pruning, which saves time and effort.
In summary, Osmanthus hedging not only enhances the visual appeal of gardens with its lush foliage and fragrant blooms but also offers practical benefits such as privacy, noise reduction, and low maintenance. These qualities make Osmanthus hedges an excellent investment for any garden space.
Planting Osmanthus hedge plants requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure they thrive and achieve their full potential. Osmanthus burkwoodii thrives in well-drained loam soil types, but you must ensure the soil is kept moist to promote healthy growth. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process:
The best time to plant Osmanthus hedging is during the cooler months of the year, typically in autumn or early spring. Planting in autumn allows the roots to establish before the winter dormant period, while spring planting gives the plants an entire growing season to acclimate and strengthen. Avoid planting during the peak of summer, as the intense heat can stress young plants and hinder their establishment. By choosing the right planting time, you optimise the chances of success for your Osmanthus hedge, ensuring that it grows strong and resilient.
Start by selecting a suitable location for your Osmanthus hedge. These plants prefer well-drained soil and a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. While Osmanthus can tolerate various soil types, it's important to avoid areas with heavy, water-logged clay soils, as these conditions can lead to root rot.
Before planting, prepare the soil by digging a trench along the intended length of your hedge. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. Ensuring the soil is loose and well-aerated will help the roots establish more effectively.
Planting distances depend on the specific variety and desired density of the hedge, please refer to our spacing chart below for specific sizes. The recommended planting density for Osmanthus × burkwoodii hedge plants ensures optimal growth and health. Closer spacing will result in a denser hedge, while wider spacing allows for more air circulation, which can be beneficial in preventing diseases.
Dig a hole for each plant, big enough to accommodate the root ball. Osmanthus x burkwoodii plants are available in pot grown containers, making them convenient to purchase year-round. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground surface. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and establish the roots.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant, extending out to cover the entire planting area. Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the base of the stems to prevent rot.
During the first growing season, water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Osmanthus hedges are relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Regularly check for and manage weeds, pests, and diseases to ensure the health of your hedge.
By following these planting tips, you can enjoy a robust and beautiful Osmanthus hedge that will enhance your garden for years to come.
Osmanthus hedging plants generally exhibit a slow to moderate growth rate, making them relatively easy to manage in terms of shaping and pruning. On average, these plants can grow between 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) per year, although this can vary depending on the specific variety and local growing conditions.
Patience is key, as it may take a few years for your hedge to fully mature and reach its desired height and density. However, the reward is a well-established, lush, and low-maintenance hedge that provides beauty and privacy year-round.
Osmanthus hedging plants thrive in a variety of soil types, but they particularly prefer well-drained, loamy soils that offer a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay. While they can tolerate some degree of soil variability, extremely heavy clay or overly sandy soils may impede their growth. Improving soil structure with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can optimise growing conditions and support healthy plant development.
Please refer to our plant spacing chart below for the correct distances to space your Osmanthus hedge plants.
Oleaster Hedges generally require minimal pruning but benefit from occasional trimming to maintain a tidy shape and encourage denser growth. Understanding the root type is crucial for proper maintenance and healthy growth.
Light pruning in the early spring and late summer is ideal. Focus on removing any dead or damaged branches and trimming the tip to promote bushier branching. For more formal hedges, frequent light trimming can help maintain a defined shape while promoting dense foliage.
Pruning your Osmanthus hedge is essential to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. The best time to prune is in late spring or early summer after the flowering period. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to trim back new growth, focusing on removing any dead or damaged branches. Regular light pruning helps to shape the hedge and encourages lateral branching, resulting in a fuller and more compact appearance. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn, as this can leave the plants vulnerable to winter damage.
To maintain the health and vigour of your Osmanthus hedge, applying a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring can provide essential nutrients that promote robust growth. Look for a fertiliser with an NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) that supports both foliage growth and root development. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertiliser packaging to avoid over-fertilisation, which can lead to nutrient imbalances and potential damage to the plants.
Osmanthus plants are generally resilient and resistant to many common pests and diseases. However, it's wise to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to maintain their health. Monitor your hedge regularly for signs of issues such as aphids, scale insects, or fungal infections. Using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or appropriate fungicides can help manage these problems if they arise. Proper plant spacing, adequate air circulation, and maintaining clean garden practices contribute to preventing pest and disease outbreaks.
Throughout the year, your Osmanthus hedge will benefit from a consistent care routine. Osmanthus × burkwoodii is a great addition to a sensory garden due to its fragrant flowers. In addition to regular watering during dry periods, seasonal adjustments are necessary to accommodate changing weather conditions.
During autumn, continue to water until the ground freezes to help the plants withstand winter’s chill. In winter, applying a layer of mulch before the first frost can protect roots from temperature fluctuations. With each season, tailor your care approach to support the ongoing vitality of your Osmanthus hedge.
By adhering to these care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your Osmanthus hedge remains a stunning, integral part of your garden landscape.
