OSMANTHUS BURKWOODII

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Osmanthus × burkwoodii

• Common Name: Burkwood Osmanthus

• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub, prized for its glossy foliage and fragrant spring blooms.

• Growth Habit: Dense, rounded shrub that typically reaches 2–3 m in height and similar spread when mature, forming a neat, bushy shape.

• Foliage: Small, oval, dark green leaves with a leathery texture that provide year-round interest.

• Flowers: Abundant clusters of small, white, tubular flowers appear in April to May, emitting a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance.

• Fruit: Occasionally produces small, blue-black berries after flowering.

• Seasonal Interest: Attractive evergreen foliage in all seasons, with outstanding spring fragrance.

• Garden Uses: Excellent as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or clipped into formal hedges. Also suitable for scented gardens, near entrances, or along walkways.

• Wildlife Value: Flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy in most of the UK and Ireland, tolerating cold winters and frost.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; flowering is most profuse in sunnier locations.

• Soil Preferences: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal. It will tolerate clay, loam, or sandy soils if drainage is adequate.

• pH Range: Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are preferred, though slightly acidic soils are also tolerated.

• Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture is best; avoid prolonged waterlogging.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme weather.

• Spacing: For hedging, space plants 60–90 cm apart, depending on desired density.

• Shelter Needs: Although hardy, it benefits from a sheltered site in very exposed or windy locations to protect flowers.

• Companion Planting: Works well with other evergreen shrubs such as Sarcococca, Skimmia, and Viburnum tinus, as well as spring-flowering bulbs.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers using a high-quality, peat-free compost with added grit for drainage.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage strong root growth.

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support healthy foliage and abundant blooms.

  • In containers, feed every 6–8 weeks during the growing season with a general-purpose liquid fertiliser.

• Pruning:

  • Minimal pruning is needed. After flowering, trim lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.

  • Can be clipped more formally if grown as a hedge.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a 5 cm layer of organic mulch in spring to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots—keep mulch away from the base of the stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free and disease-resistant. Occasionally, leaf spot may occur in damp conditions—remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy and does not require winter protection in most areas; however, container-grown plants should be sheltered from severe frost.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the base weed-free to ensure healthy growth.

• Longevity: A long-lived shrub that can thrive for decades with minimal maintenance.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.