Sweet osmanthus care guide
Osmanthus fragrans
Also known as: Fragrant olive, Osmanthus, Silver osmanthus
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Sweet osmanthus
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Water a pot thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; drying out in summer hurts the autumn bloom.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- Keep it from drying around flowering time; as a guide, water about a day after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 5 days
- Growth stops, so water sparingly about two or three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Sweet osmanthus
As a guide, give it a sunny spot; it generally survives in half shade but flowers little without sun, it tolerates full summer sun, and it likes good airflow.
Overwintering Sweet osmanthus
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
On the Kanto and Kansai plains it usually overwinters outdoors; pots and newly planted trees do better out of dry north wind and with mulch over the roots.
Fertilizing and repotting Sweet osmanthus
Fertilizer
As a guide, slow-release fertilizer in late winter and a little more after flowering in autumn, or small doses in March and June for pots; too much gives foliage instead of flowers.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Sweet osmanthus
- Pruning in summer removes the flower buds, so it does not bloom in autumn.
- Planted in shade, it goes years without flowering.
- Kept in a small pot into summer, it dries out and drops leaves.
Tips for growing Sweet osmanthus
- Prune after flowering in November, or by March before growth starts.
- A young tree can take several years to flower, so keep it in the sun and be patient.
- Its strong autumn scent announces the bloom, and in some years it flowers twice.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
