When does the four-season osmanthus usually bloom?
The four-season osmanthus is a variety of Osmanthus fragrans in the genus Osmanthus, also known as monthly osmanthus, laurel, etc. It is an evergreen small tree or shrub of the genus Osmanthus in the family Oleaceae, with opposite leaves, mostly elliptical or oblong-elliptical, smooth leaf surface, leathery, with serrated leaf margins. It has been introduced and cultivated in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Taiwan, China, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces of China. Let us take a look below at when the four-season osmanthus blooms!
When does the four-season osmanthus bloom?
The four-season osmanthus blooms in all four seasons, but still mainly in autumn. The flowers are light yellow when they first open, then turn white, but their fragrance is also the faintest among all osmanthus, with almost no detectable floral scent. Each inflorescence consists of 12 to 20 small flowers, and the flowering period is 5 to 7 days. Its varieties can be further divided into monthly osmanthus, four-season osmanthus, Fodingzhu, Rixianggui and Tianxiang Taige, etc.
Cultivation value of the four-season osmanthus
1. Industrial value: The leaves and fruit of the four-season osmanthus contain aromatic oil. The leaves contain 0.3 to 0.5% oil, and the fruit contains about 1% oil. The main components are linalool, eugenol, geraniol and cineole, used in food and soap fragrances. The leaves can be used as a flavoring spice or as a corrective for canned goods. The seeds contain about 30% vegetable oil, and the oil is for industrial use. In addition, osmanthus wood is hard, glossy and beautifully grained, making it a fine material for carving.
2. Ornamental value: The four-season osmanthus blooms in all four seasons and is fragrant in all four seasons. It can be cultivated on balconies or in courtyards, and is often planted in gardens, along roadsides, on lawns and in courtyards. It is the best greening tree species for government offices, schools, the military, enterprises and institutions, streets and homes. Paired with mountains, stones, pavilions, terraces, buildings and towers, it appears even more dignified and elegant, pleasing to the eye and delightful to the mood. It is also an excellent material for potted plants; after being made into a bonsai, it can be enjoyed for its form, stone and flowers, and fragrance, truly “three benefits in one”.
3. Environmental purification: The four-season osmanthus has a certain resistance to harmful gases such as hydrogen fluoride and sulfur dioxide, and can reduce the degree of environmental pollution. Planted in public places or home courtyards, it can play a good role in greening, beautifying, perfuming and purifying, so flower and garden experts all advocate its widespread planting.
How to grow the four-season osmanthus
1. Soil: The four-season osmanthus likes to grow in slightly acidic soil. It can be cultivated with a mix of peat, garden soil, sandy soil and river sand, with a pH value of 5.5 to 6.5. Before potting, disinfect the prepared soil with a potassium permanganate solution. It is best to use tile pieces, which have very good water permeability and air permeability. The potting soil substrate is effective, and generally the pot should be changed once every 1 to 2 years. Repotting is carried out in early spring, which is more conducive to the plant's growth.
2. Watering: The four-season osmanthus likes a high-temperature, dry environment, so watering must be well controlled. In summer, water more to keep the soil moisture at around 50%, which is most suitable. On rainy days and during sprouting, water less, and avoid water accumulation in the pot soil to prevent root rot. In summer, provide shade, the temperature must not be higher than 35°C, and spraying water around the flower pot can achieve a cooling effect.
3. Fertilizing: When growing, the four-season osmanthus likes organic fertilizer. When the four-season osmanthus sprouts, fertilize carefully once every week, using decomposed dilute liquid or pig manure liquid. In July, use organic compound fertilizer, and in September, apply phosphorus fertilizer, so that the four-season osmanthus grows more luxuriantly, thereby improving its ornamental value.
4. Temperature: The four-season osmanthus can be cultivated outdoors to overwinter in areas south of the Yellow River basin. Potted plants should be moved indoors in winter and placed in a sunny place so they can fully receive direct sunlight. The room temperature should be kept above 5°C, but must not exceed 10°C. After sprouting in April of the following year, move them outdoors, first placing them in a wind-sheltered, sunny spot for care, and after stable growth gradually move them to a ventilated, sunny or semi-shady environment, then carry out normal management.
5. Pruning: The four-season osmanthus can be pruned in spring and autumn. The first time is after flowering in autumn, then prune off the relatively long and overly dense branch tips, leaving stout short branches. The second pruning is in early spring before sprouting, cutting off dead branches, weak branches and diseased branches so that it can sprout better. Generally, it is enough to achieve the requirements of being short and sturdy, with a thick trunk and evenly distributed branches and leaves.