Overview of Osmanthus decorus
Osmanthus decorus, also known as the tea olive, is a woody evergreen shrub that belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. It is native to China and Taiwan, but is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks worldwide due to its fragrant flowers and low maintenance needs. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties.
Common names
Osmanthus decorus is commonly known as tea olive, fragrant olive, sweet olive, and kwei. In China, it is known as gui hua, which means "sweet osmanthus."
Uses
The fragrant flowers of Osmanthus decorus are used to make tea and fragrance oil. The tea made from the flowers is said to have antiseptic properties and is used to soothe sore throats and relieve coughs. The flowers are also used in aromatherapy and in the production of perfumes and cosmetics.
The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, skin problems, and respiratory conditions. Its leaves and flowers contain antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The plant is also believed to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
General appearance
Osmanthus decorus is a dense, slow-growing shrub that can reach heights of 10-20 feet and widths of 10-15 feet. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture, and grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. The fragrant flowers bloom in the fall and winter, and are small, white, and tubular in shape. They grow in tight clusters and have a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators. The plant produces small, dark blue berries in the spring, which are a food source for birds.
Overall, Osmanthus decorus is a beautiful and useful plant that adds beauty and fragrance to gardens and provides many health benefits. Its versatility and hardiness make it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Light Requirements
Osmanthus decorus thrives in full to partial sun, making it ideal for garden beds near shaded spots. However, avoid placing the plant under direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers mild to cool temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate occasional temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can stunt or damage the growth of the plant if exposed to prolonged low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Osmanthus decorus prefers well-draining soil. It can grow well in sandy clay, loam, and chalky soil. Provide the plant with a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic or neutral pH levels. Also, the soil must have adequate organic matter content to support optimal growth. If the soil lacks organic matter, amend it with compost or aged manure.
Cultivation
Osmanthus decorus, commonly referred to as Tea Olive, is a flowering plant that originated in China. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade and organically-rich soil. The plant can withstand cold temperatures, making it ideal for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10.
Propagation of the plant can be done through seed sowing or stem cuttings. If planting from seed, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24-48 hours before sowing. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant in the early spring or fall months for optimal success.
Watering Needs
Osmanthus decorus prefers well-draining soil and does not require excessive watering. The plant should be watered lightly and regularly, ensuring that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to ensure that the water is absorbed before the heat of the day.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization. However, it benefits from a balanced fertilizer application in the early spring and fall months. A slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen can be applied in early spring to encourage healthy foliage growth. A phosphorus-rich fertilizer can be applied in the fall to support flower development.
Pruning
Pruning of Osmanthus decorus is not necessary, but it can be beneficial for aesthetic reasons or to control the size of the plant. The plant should be pruned immediately after flowering, ensuring that the new growth has enough time to develop before the following flowering season. Any dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed promptly.
Propagation of Osmanthus decorus
Osmanthus decorus is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering. Each method has its advantages and requires different techniques and timing.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest method to propagate Osmanthus decorus is by seeds. Collect seeds from the plant in September to October and sow them immediately in well-draining soil. Seeds require warmth and moisture to germinate, so either sow them in a heated propagator or cover the pot with a plastic sheet and place it in a warm spot.
Avoid using seed trays as Osmanthus decorus has a taproot that grows deep, making it challenging to transplant. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, prick them out in individual pots, and keep them indoors over the winter. Plant them outside once temperatures rise in late spring.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is the preferred method if you want to maintain the characteristic traits of the original plant. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer from young, healthy growth and plant them in a mixture of peat and perlite. Lightly mist the cuttings and maintain high humidity levels and a warm temperature to encourage root formation. Once rooted, transfer the cuttings to individual pots and gradually adjust them to outdoor conditions.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is another simple way to propagate Osmanthus decorus. In early spring, select a healthy, low-growing branch and scrape the bark a few inches below a leaf node. Apply rooting hormone, bend the stem down to the soil, and secure it in place with a U-shaped wire or a rock. Cover the base of the stem with soil and keep it moist. After several weeks, the stem will develop roots, and you can sever it from the mother plant and replant it elsewhere.
Disease Management of Osmanthus Decorus
Osmanthus Decorus is generally resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect it, such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot in these plants. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and only water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Remove any affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Leaf spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection that forms brown or black spots on the plant's leaves. Remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. Treat the remaining leaves with a fungicide spray.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. This fungus usually forms where there are poor air circulation and high humidity. Ensure that the plant is in a well-ventilated area, and remove any affected leaves. Use a fungicide spray to treat the plant.
Pest Management of Osmanthus Decorus
There are some pests that can affect Osmanthus Decorus, including scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Scale insects: These small, oval insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Remove the insects manually with a cotton swab or a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs also suck the sap from the plant. They appear as small, white, cotton-like masses on the leaves. Remove these insects manually, and use a soap and water solution to treat the plant. Neem oil can also be used to treat the plant.
Spider mites: Spider mites are typically found in warm, dry conditions. They form webbing on the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow. Use a stream of water to remove the mites from the plant and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
