Sun to Part Shade USDA 6–9 Fragrant Fall Bloom Deer Resistant

Description

Osmanthus Gulftide is a handsome, cold-hardy selection renowned for its narrow, upright form and lustrous, holly-like leaves that remain deep green year-round. In early to mid-autumn, clusters of small white flowers release a surprisingly strong, sweet fragrance that perfumes the garden and draws late-season pollinators. The dense branching and naturally tidy habit make it a superb choice for evergreen screening, foundation accents, and formal hedging. It tolerates a range of soils as long as drainage is good and is notably resistant to browsing by deer.

Suggested Uses

Plant Details

• Botanical NameOsmanthus Gulftide
• Common NameOsmanthus Gulftide (holly osmanthus)
• Size & GrowthUpright-oval; typically 8–10 ft tall and 4–6 ft wide in 10 years (older plants can reach 12+ ft). Growth is slow to moderate, forming a dense screen.
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA Zones 6–9 (one of the more cold-hardy osmanthus selections; provide wind protection in Zone 6).
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; glossy, deep green, holly-like leaves with spines most prominent on juvenile growth, softening with age.
• Bloom TimeEarly to mid-autumn; small white flowers with intense, sweet fragrance.
• Growth RateSlow to moderate (roughly 6–12 inches per year under average garden conditions).
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade; in hotter summer regions, provide afternoon shade for best foliage color and reduced leaf scorch.
• Attracts PollinatorsYes—fragrant fall blooms draw bees and other late-season pollinators when few other shrubs are flowering.
• Indoor FriendlyBest grown outdoors; not suitable as a long-term houseplant. Large containers can be overwintered in a cool, bright, frost-free space if needed.
• Container FriendlyYes—performs well in large containers with excellent drainage; plan for eventual transplanting or periodic root pruning as it matures.
• Deer ResistantHigh—spiny, leathery foliage is typically avoided by deer and rabbits.
• Pet WarningGenerally considered non-toxic; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Place away from high-traffic pet paths due to spiny leaves.
• FragrantExceptionally fragrant fall flowers with a sweet, apricot-jasmine scent noticeable from a distance.
• Cut FlowerFoliage and flowering branchlets are long-lasting in arrangements and add fragrance; individual flowers are small.
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Camellia, Pieris, Azalea/Rhododendron, Nandina, Fatsia, Mahonia, Sarcococca, Viburnum, Hydrangea, Japanese maple.

Care Tips

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or fall. Dig a hole 2–3× wider than the root ball. Tease out circling roots, set the root flare level to 1–2 in above grade, backfill with native soil, water deeply, and mulch 2–3 in (keep mulch off the trunk).
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist the first 1–2 seasons; water deeply but infrequently. Once established, moderately drought tolerant; avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Soil TypeWell-drained loam or sandy loam is ideal; tolerates light clay if drainage is improved. Prefers slightly acidic soil (pH ~6.0–6.8) but is adaptable.
• HumidityHandles average garden humidity and coastal air well. Provide airflow and avoid reflected heat pockets in very hot, dry climates.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning needed. Lightly shape after flowering in autumn. For hedges, a structural trim in late winter is fine; heavy cuts may reduce next fall’s blooms. Remove dead/crossing wood at any time.
• Winter CareMulch the root zone in late fall and water well before freezes. In Zone 6 or exposed sites, shield from prevailing winter wind (burlap screen) to prevent leaf scorch.
• Planting DepthSet the top of the root ball at or slightly above the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk flare; avoid piling mulch against stems.
• FertilizationFeed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer or organic compost. If leaves yellow in alkaline soil, supplement with iron or acid-forming fertilizer.
• Special CareExcellent for sheared hedges or narrow screens. Monitor for scale or spider mites in hot, dry spells; treat early. Ensure sharp drainage—raised beds help in heavy soils.

Notes: Cultural ranges reflect typical performance for this plant type across regions; local conditions may affect results. Always acclimate container plants to site conditions before permanent planting.