Osmanthus x fortunei (Fortune's Osmathus)

Osmanthus x fortunei, commonly called Fortune's osmanthus or Fortune's tea olive, is a hybrid broadleaf evergreen shrub bred from parent species Osmanthus heterophyllus and Osmanthus fragrans. As a hybrid of these two species, Fortune's osmanthus has the best attributes of both worlds, with the attractive varied foliage of Osmanthus heterophyllus and the incredibly fragrant blooms of Osmanthus fragrans. Growing to 15-20' tall and 6-10' wide, Osmanthus x fortunei is popular as a hedge, foundation, or screen selection, but also works great as a specimen plant with its relatively large size.

Osmanthus x fortunei blooms from the end of summer into the fall, and its fragrant flowers attract a number of pollinators. With its young leaves being bright green with deeply toothed margins and older leaves being dark green and widely lobed, Osmanthus x fortunei always keeps things interesting for ornamental displays while simultaneously preventing deer browsing. For the most success, plant your Fortune's osmanthus in a location with full sun to part shade, moist well-draining soil, and plenty of room to spread out, and don't worry about salt or drought, as this false holly can handle both like a champ.

Note: While most Osmanthus x fortunei on the market are male specimens, and therefore don't produce berries that allow its spread, several osmanthus species (including both Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus heterophyllus) have been classified as invasive in the US.