What is the difference between golden osmanthus and red osmanthus? A guide to telling them apart easily

1. Flowers

The color difference between these two flowers is quite significant. Golden osmanthus is the color of egg yolk, while red osmanthus comes in a wider range of colors, including orange-red and orange-yellow. That means this plant can be paired with different surrounding scenery and has good ornamental value. When it blooms, its flower color is more attractive than that of most plants, so in practical terms it is far more widely used than golden osmanthus.

2. Leaves

The leaves of these two plants also differ quite a bit. The former's leaves are long and oval, fairly green, and have a strong toothed feel; of course, its teeth follow no pattern of their own, so you could say they grow at random. In addition, its leaves are not flat, and the leaf margins are rather stiff and clearly curl backward. Red osmanthus leaves are also fairly long ovals; they are thicker and very smooth, and their teeth are fairly regular. These leaves also curl backward, with relatively pointed tips.

3. Quantity

Golden osmanthus is relatively cheap and quite widely used. Red osmanthus, however, is less common because it grows relatively slowly. All in all, of the two plants the latter is the better one, but everyone has their own favorite, so there is nothing wrong with preferring golden osmanthus.

4. Fragrance

The former's fragrance is very strong, noticeable from far away. The latter's fragrance is even stronger, a bit more intense than golden osmanthus. So anyone who does not particularly like a strong scent can consider buying the former, except that its flower colors are limited. In short, each has its own advantages, so choose according to your own preference.