Osmanthus burkwoodii Hedge (Osmanthus x burkwoodii)

Osmanthus x burkwoodii Hedge Plants Description

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is an evergreen hedge plant valued for its dense foliage, compact growth and highly fragrant spring flowers. Its glossy dark green leaves provide year-round structure, making it suitable for boundaries and screening where consistent foliage is important.

Its naturally neat growth habit makes Osmanthus x burkwoodii particularly useful for formal gardens, smaller spaces and mixed borders. Because it grows relatively slowly, it is easier to keep at a manageable size than faster-growing evergreen hedges.

One of its standout features is its spring flowering. Small white flowers appear among the foliage and produce a distinctive sweet fragrance, while also providing a source of nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is also a versatile choice for different garden positions. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, making it suitable for areas where other flowering evergreens may struggle to receive enough sunlight. It can be planted in a range of well-drained soil types and is suitable for many UK gardens, including urban and exposed locations.

For gardeners looking for an evergreen alternative to traditional hedging, Osmanthus x burkwoodii offers the combination of year-round foliage, manageable growth and seasonal fragrance.

Pruning Advice

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is relatively easy to maintain because of its slow growth rate. Light pruning after flowering in late spring or early summer is generally sufficient to maintain a neat shape and encourage dense growth.

Remove dead, damaged or unwanted branches first, then trim lightly to maintain the desired height and width. Avoid heavy pruning wherever possible, as cutting back too severely can remove flowering wood and leave the plant slower to recover.

For established hedges, occasional light trimming is usually preferable to frequent or severe cutting. This helps maintain the dense, compact appearance while allowing the plant to flower each spring.

Further Information

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a slow-growing hedge, so planting density should take into account the size of the plants supplied and how quickly you want the hedge to become established.

For bare root plants, 3 plants per metre is sufficient, 5 plants per metre is optimal, while 7 plants per metre in a double staggered row can create a denser hedge more quickly. Smaller plants can generally be planted at a higher density.

For cell-grown plants, spacing at around 4 plants per metre in a single row, or ideally 6 plants per metre in a staggered row, is recommended.

Water newly planted Osmanthus regularly during its first growing season, particularly during dry periods, to encourage good root establishment.

Osmanthus x burkwoodii FAQs

How fast does Osmanthus x burkwoodii grow?

Osmanthus x burkwoodii is a slow-growing hedge, typically adding around 20–30cm of growth per year under suitable growing conditions.

Is Osmanthus x burkwoodii evergreen?

Yes. It is an evergreen shrub, retaining its dense, glossy green foliage throughout the year and providing consistent garden structure and screening.

Does Osmanthus x burkwoodii grow in shade?

Yes. It grows well in partial shade, although a position with more sunlight can encourage stronger flowering. Avoid very deep shade where possible.

When does Osmanthus x burkwoodii flower?

It produces small, highly fragrant white flowers in spring. The flowers are one of the plant's main attractions and can add a noticeable sweet fragrance to the garden.

Can Osmanthus x burkwoodii be used as a hedge?

Yes. Its dense evergreen foliage and naturally compact growth make it well suited to formal boundaries, privacy screening and mixed hedging.

How tall does Osmanthus x burkwoodii grow?

It can reach approximately 1.5–2.5 metres, although regular light pruning can be used to maintain a preferred hedge height.

When should Osmanthus x burkwoodii be pruned?

The best time for routine pruning is after flowering in late spring or early summer. Light trimming helps maintain its shape without unnecessarily reducing the following season's flowering.

Is Osmanthus x burkwoodii suitable for UK gardens?

Yes. It is a hardy, adaptable evergreen shrub that can grow in a range of well-drained soils and garden conditions across the UK.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.