The Osmanthus stands out for be a shrub that has the ability to reach a great heightin addition to being an evergreen shrub that has a high level of resistance against the most common diseases. Similarly, it is worth mentioning that it consists of a plant that has ornamental leaves, which have a thorny margin.
Features
And it is that between the months of October and December, Osmanthus offers extraordinary flowering; since it has flowers that are characterized by being very abundant and with great fragrance. So by giving it some extra care, it is entirely possible that this plant will be able to spice up an extremely fragrant hedge.
In addition, it should be said that this plant can be equally cultivated both in gardens and in pots and in case of having a specimen already cultivated, it will be necessary to replant it every 3 years; While if it has not been cultivated yet, it is always best to choose the variety that best suits the needs of each person and place it in the garden.
Although, people who do not have enough available space, always have the option of growing their Osmanthus in pots and placing them on the balcony of their homes to receive the sunlight they need. This is characterized by being one of the plants that bloom throughout the fall and winterso that even, according to the seasonal climatic trend, there is the possibility that its flowering takes place throughout the month of December and also at the beginning of January.
This plant consists of a small tree or a shrub capable of growing up to 10 meters high; It has opposite, leathery, simple leaves which can be from elliptical to oblong-lanceolate and they normally have a length of around 5-10cms, being little stalked. They have an acuminate apex and a wedge base, as well as a slightly toothed or entire margin, and are usually green on both sides.
Its flowers are of a white-yellowish color and are characterized by being really aromatic, which are born in small groups of axillary racemes; They have a corolla of 4 practically free petals with a length of around 6mm. Its fruit is ovoid, drupáceous, of a bluish tone and measures approximately 1cm in length..
Osmanthus cultivation
Osmanthus is known for being an extremely resistant plant against diseases, which requires little care, even in the frosty season. In any case, it should be noted that Osmanthus has to be cultivated within acidic soil to which a little sand has also been added, preferably throughout the month of October, in an area where it can be well exposed to sunlight and at the same time can receive enough shade, and in no case should be in a space where it is highly exposed to the wind.
This plant is also known for not being able to withstand the rigors of winter well to which it can be exposed when being in the coldest areas, which is why it is usually cultivated within sheltered spaces. Equally, keep in mind that you prefer properly drained soils and that it does not have the ability to resist waters with salts.
It is also necessary to mention that it multiplies by cuttings throughout the summer season, being in the shade, under the hood or through seeds, which usually take a long time to germinate. Likewise, we are talking about a plant that allows to be cropped And when you want to grow it in pots, you can have the peace of mind that it is totally possible because the Osmanthus stands out for supporting this type of cultivation without problems.
When it comes to pruning, it must be said that it is best to do it at the end of winter, although before the first shoots begin to grow. In the same way, it is necessary to prune the Osmanthus after its flowering, in order not to affect the appearance of flowers during spring. In addition, do not forget to remove all those branches that are fragile and / or dead.
In the same way, it must be taken into account that this shrub fears both stagnant humidity and cold, which is why it is essential to make sure to protect it. And in order to get beautiful flowers, it is convenient that during the fall it is placed at the foot of the tree, a bag of potting soil combined with some type of fertilizer especially suitable for flowers.
In the same way, it is possible to use the ashes from the fireplace throughout the winter, which will improve the flowering that will take place when spring arrives. Likewise, it is advisable to fertilize this plant annually a couple of times, using 2 slow release compost tablets for the purpose of ensuring that she remains strong and healthy.
Uses
It should also be noted that within recent studies conducted by Asian specialists, Osmanthus could become a natural alternative For the methods that are used today in order to prevent the enzymatic process (which consists of an alteration that usually manifests once the fruits are cut and have contact with the air, through the loss of flavor and the appearance of dark colors, as well as the loss of the nutritional content they should have), because it has the ability to inhibit tyrosine and prevent the production of melanin, so it could become a great anti-browning promise.
That is why within its country of origin it usually has various uses, for example, as an additive within the wine industry in order to prevent possible alterations in relation to color, which may reduce its commercial value. In addition, its use within cosmetic products is intended not only to lighten the skin, but also as additive to a new drug intended to treat melanoma.
