Osmanthus
Origin: Japan. Evergreen shrub with upright, spreading, rounded habit. Leaves from elliptic to ovate, 6-8cm long, 4-5cm wide, leathery with margins that are usually acuminate, glossy dark green on the upper side, pale green underneath. Flowers in summer-autumn, pure white, axillary, not very showy as they are hidden by dense foliage but their presence is felt even at a distance because they leave a strong, sweet fragrance in the air. Very hardy, immune to disease, very resistant to parasites, grows well in all types of soil. Suitable for planting in groups and for hedges which do not require pruning. It adapts really well to growing in pots and troughs, even when it becomes an adult.