Detailed Guide to the Key Points of Growing Osmanthus in Pots

Osmanthus is an ornamental tree with high economic value, suitable for planting in courtyards and along roadsides. Although the fragrance of its flowers is light, it can drift far on the wind. The common osmanthus varieties are four: Jingu (golden osmanthus), Yingu (silver osmanthus), Dangui (red osmanthus) and Sijigui (four-season osmanthus). Besides open-air planting, potted osmanthus is now very popular. Let us take a look below at the key points of the growing method.

1. Soil selection

Because osmanthus grows relatively well in acidic soil, for potting you need to mix your own soil or buy a professional nutrient soil. If mixing your own, choose leaf mold, garden soil and sand in a 5:3:2 ratio.

2. Key points of watering

For potted osmanthus, water less before new shoots emerge and during rainy weather. If it is summer with high temperatures and fast water evaporation, you can increase the watering frequency and choose to water in the morning and evening. Water only enough for the pot soil to have a moisture level of about 50 percent; if there is too much standing water, flower drop is very likely to occur during the flowering period. Pay attention to observation at ordinary times; if there is standing water in the pot, it needs to be poured off immediately to avoid root rot.

3. Topdressing

Potted osmanthus has already been given enough base fertilizer in the early stage, but this cannot meet its growth needs, so additional topdressing is also needed afterward. Different fertilizers should be applied according to the different growth stages of osmanthus. The fertilizers commonly used include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

Several key periods for fertilizing are early March, the stage of growing branches and buds, when a large amount of fertilizer is needed to help flower buds grow and promote flowering. In May, the leaves of osmanthus are already quite mature and need to accumulate relatively more nutrients. In October, osmanthus will continue to grow and still needs nitrogen fertilizer as topdressing.

4. Pruning work

Osmanthus is a flowering plant with a relatively developed root system and strong growth ability. Especially for adult osmanthus trees, they sprout new shoots every year in spring and autumn. In order to make the osmanthus tree bloom more, proper pruning can keep its growth in a certain balance. After flowering in autumn, it can be pruned once. At other times, according to the overall growth of the osmanthus, prune away overly dense branches and leaves.

5. Repotting

For potted osmanthus, choose varieties with relatively compact branches and leaves, a short and sturdy form, and a relatively thick trunk. Repot once every one or two years in spring, which is beneficial to the growth of osmanthus. Each time you repot, handle it carefully and do not damage its root system, so as to avoid the tree dying. After repotting, place it in a cool and ventilated place for care, and wait until it recovers its vitality before putting it back in its usual care location.

6. Pest and disease control

The common pests and diseases of osmanthus include anthracnose, gray felt disease, brown spot disease, algal leaf spot, blight spot disease, sooty mold, black spiny whitefly, bagworm moths, scale insects, osmanthus leafhoppers, slug moths, cicadas and other pest damage. Once pest or disease infestation is found, treat it with medicine in time to avoid causing bad effects.