Osmanthus x burkwoodii hedging is a very versatile form of hedging useful for small to medium size hedges in many situations. It is also known as Burkwood Osmanthus.
Why should I plant an Osmanthus hedge?
Osmanthus is a relatively popular evergreen hedging plant for small and medium size hedges and is sometimes grown as an alternative to Box hedging. Although it does well in coastal situations, it can be susceptible to cold spots but is found planted throughout much of Southern England. It has very attractive and highly scented flowers in the spring which add a pleasant addition to this plants features.
How tall will Osmanthus grow?
Osmanthus are suitable for small to medium size hedges. Although we have seen Osmanthus hedges up to 6ft (180cm) in height, it makes a much more compact smaller hedge of around 2-3ft and clips well at that size. it can also make a good addition as a single shrub in any garden.
How quickly will an Osmanthus hedge grow?
Osmanthus grow at a fairly average speed as far as hedges go and if left untrimmed will put on around a foot (30cm) in height per year. Once your hedge has reached its desired height it should be trimmed at that height accordingly to maintain its size and increase its density. This will slow down the upward growth of your hedge and encourage growth sideways to make a denser hedge and make it substantially easier to clip annually.
When should I clip or trim an Osmanthus hedge?
An Osmanthus hedge will need to be clipped annually. Although it can be trimmed in the spring or autumn (or both), we recommend that it is trimmed after flowering in the spring as it will encourage further flowers the following year.
How far apart should I plant Osmanthus hedging plants?
Osmanthus should be planted 2ft (60cm) apart regardless of how tall or short they are when you buy them and careful preparation of the planting site is important. See section below on how to look after your Osmanthus hedge after planting.
How do I look after my Osmanthus hedge after planting?
Although Osmanthus plants are tolerant and will put up with most soil types, we recommended that the planting soil is mixed with compost to give the plants the best environment to grow in for their first year. After planting, your Osmanthus hedge should be watered regularly during its first year to give it the best chance of survival and this is especially important if your hedge is being planted in the drier summer months.
How do I water my Osmanthus hedge?
Watering an Osmanthus hedge is especially important if you are planting during the summer or a dry period. For watering, we recommend using leaky hose (sometimes described as porous pipe) which can be connected to your existing hose pipe and will slowly leak water onto the roots of your hedge in a controlled manner to ensure that it soaks in and your hedge becomes properly watered. Leaky hose is cheap, easy to install and very effective. See our Accessories page for more details on leaky hose.
Is Osmanthus tolerant of different soil types?
Osmanthus will tolerate most soil types (except very waterlogged soils) making it very versatile and is tolerant of coastal climates making it suitable for planting if you live near the sea.
Does Osmanthus like full sun or shade?
Osmanthus will grow well in full sunshine and is also in partial shade.
For more information on our availability of Osmanthus hedging or if you have any questions or queries about existing Osmanthus hedges or need advice about planting a new Osmanthus hedge, please call us on 01252 714552 or email sales@hedgesonline.co