Burkwood Osmanthus

Osmanthus x burkwoodii (Oleaceae) is a hybrid evergreen shrub (O. delavayi x O. decorus) bred before 1928. It grows slowly to about 8 feet tall with a bushy, dense habit. Small, oval, glossy bright green leaves (2.5 to 5 cm) are slightly toothed. White, tubular, four-lobed flowers appear in spring and are intensely fragrant.

Burkwood osmanthus grows in full sun to part shade and makes a fine formal or informal hedge. It blooms on old wood, so pruning should follow flowering. The species has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Fruit (blue to purple) is rarely produced. Hardy in Zones 7a to 8b.