Osmanthus

Osmanthus description

Osmanthus (Osmanthus) belongs to the Olive family. Originally from Asian countries and North America. It is a shrub or spreading tree of small size and green throughout the year.

The leaves have an oblong lanceolate or elliptical shape, they are attached to the branches with short petioles and are located opposite. The surface is glossy, leathery, green in color, the length of the leaves does not exceed 7 centimeters, along the edges they can be smooth or covered with small teeth. The diameter of the flowers does not exceed 1 centimeter, they have a very long flower tube and they gather in large paniculate inflorescences.

What is the reason for the name fragrant, what scent does this flower emit? Most plants are characterized by a fruit aroma, some species smell of apricot and are quite strong. There are a lot of shades ranging from snow-white to red. The length of the fruits is about one and a half centimeters, they are oblong in shape and are painted in purple or dark blue colors.

In nature, the plant can grow up to 3 meters in height, growing in the garden, the height can be adjusted by pruning.

Osmanthus reproduction

For reproduction, half-ripe cuttings are used, the length of which is from 8 to 10 cm. The procedure is carried out during the spring-summer period. Cuttings are cleaned of the lower pair of leaves and powdered at the base with a composition that promotes rapid rooting. After the cuttings are placed in wet sand mixed with peat and covered with foil to create a greenhouse effect. The stalk takes root after a couple of months.

You can also propagate with the help of seeds. Sowing is carried out in the spring and you should know that an adult plant can be obtained in this way after a long period of time.

Osmanthus cultivation and care

When it blooms:

Osmanthus does not bloom often in the house. The appearance of flowers can be expected in the spring-autumn period, it depends on which species is chosen and in what conditions the plant is kept.

Temperature conditions:

During spring and summer, when the plant is awake, normal room temperature will suffice. In winter, when the plant is in vegetative dormancy, the room should be cool with temperatures from +5 to +10 degrees.

Soil selection:

Home-grown osmanthus can develop in depleted soils and take root fairly quickly on most types, but prefers soils with a slightly increased acidity level. The most important thing for them is a good level of drainage.

Illumination:

For osmanthus, the best option is if it is in direct sunlight in the morning and evening for 4 hours every day. We also tolerate the midday sun.

Care requirements:

Taking care of the plant is very simple, so even beginners can grow this plant. His growth is slow and can grow in different conditions.

With the onset of spring, it is necessary to prune unnecessarily long and weak shoots. Pinch the tips on young shoots for abundant branching and maximum density. With the onset of the summer season, the flower will be most comfortable outside.

Fertilization:

Fertilizers are applied dissolved in water twice every 30 days during the spring-summer period.

When to water:

At a young age, plants need to be moistened regularly. In adulthood, they need moderate watering, even during active wakefulness. Watering should be carried out after the soil dries out 2/3 deep. When the plant is resting, it must be watered only so that the earthy lump does not dry out.

Transplant rules:

Osmanthus grows well in small cramped conditions, so changing the pot is not always necessary during transplantation, which must be carried out in early spring before the plant begins to actively grow again.Large tub plants need to replace the top 5 centimeter layer of soil with a new one annually.

Possible troubles:

If you do not provide good ventilation and water too intensively, then fungal infections may develop. Trill and mealybugs are also possible.

Moisturizing:

Spraying should be done at too high room temperatures or too dry air.

Usage:

From the flowers of osmanthus, you can prepare aromatic green tea, you can use it to prepare infusions, which are often used in traditional medicine in China. Thanks to flowers and leaves, essential oils can be obtained, which are later used for the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics.

Osmanthus is not afraid of enclosed spaces and can stay there for a long time.

Varieties

Heterophyllus (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is a shrub evergreen. Its leaves are tough with a glossy surface and with a slightly bent vein in the center, the color is dark green. The name of this plant was given because of the leaves, which at a young age are covered with large teeth along the edge, which makes them look like a maple. On the same plant, the leaves can be with a different number of cloves. This species includes many beautiful variegated osmanthus varieties. The edges of their dark green leaves are colored with a wide white stripe. The flowers of this species are white, they are collected in inflorescences, small in size. They are male and female, but are located in different varieties.

The most variegated variety is Tricolor - the green leaves of this spectacular plant are covered with small dots of yellow color. Freshly emerging leaves adorning the tops of the shoots, bronze or burgundy.

Fortune (Osmanthus fortunei) - this species has simple, dark green leaves with a glossy surface. Among them, snow-white flowers look especially beautiful. During flowering, they emit a pleasant aroma. In order to breed this species, fragrant and rosaceous osmanthus were crossed.