Fortune's Osmanthus

Osmanthus x fortunei (Oleaceae) is a hybrid evergreen shrub (O. heterophyllus x O. fragrans), introduced to England by Robert Fortune in 1862. It grows 15 to 20 feet tall with a dense, oval-rounded form. Opposite, leathery leaves (6 to 10 cm) are elliptic to ovate; juvenile leaves may bear spine-tipped teeth. Small white flowers appear in axillary clusters of about 10 in late summer to fall, mostly hidden by foliage but intensely fragrant.

Fortune's osmanthus grows in full sun to part shade and prefers acidic soil. It is drought tolerant once established. The cultivar 'San Jose' (from W.B. Clarke nursery, 1934) has larger creamy-yellow flowers and a shrubbier habit but is less cold hardy. The plant is male (a clone) and rarely produces fruit. It blooms on old wood and should be pruned after flowering. Hardy in Zones 7a to 8b.