Osmanthus fortunei, a fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves that provides year-round beauty

in leaf •  8 months ago 

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Osmanthus fortunei, also known as Fortune's Osmanthus, is a delightful evergreen shrub prized for its combination of attractive foliage and intoxicating fragrance.

Imagine a dense, rounded shrub, reaching heights of 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) with a spread of 2.5 meters (8 feet). Its crowning glory is the glossy, leathery leaves. These opposite wonders range from 6-10 cm (2.4-4 inches) in length and boast an elliptical to ovate shape. Young leaves might surprise you with spiny-tipped margins, but as the plant matures, these often smooth out, leaving a clean, elegant edge.

The deep green leaves are the plant's canvas, catching the light with a lustrous sheen. This vibrancy creates a stunning backdrop for the star of the show – the flowers. While not large or showy themselves, Osmanthus fortunei blooms boast an incredibly powerful fragrance. Often described as a delightful mix of apricot, orange blossom, and ripe plums, these small white flowers cluster in the leaf axils in late summer and fall. The scent is truly captivating, filling the surrounding air with a sweetness that lingers long after the blooms themselves have faded.

So, if you're looking for a plant that offers year-round beauty with a touch of olfactory magic, Osmanthus fortunei might be the perfect choice for your yard.

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