Why won't the osmanthus bloom? An analysis of common causes
①Poor seedling selection. There is a type of purple osmanthus that can only bloom after it grows into a large tree. If purple osmanthus is mistakenly propagated as a seedling from cuttings, it will be very difficult to make it bloom. Osmanthus planting stock should be grafted seedlings using mature branches of a superior variety as scions, or seedlings obtained by air layering at the base of flower-bearing branches; these are not only good in quality but also easy to bloom once established. ②Improper cultivation...
①Poor seedling selection. There is a type of purple osmanthus that can only bloom after it grows into a large tree. If purple osmanthus is mistakenly propagated as a seedling from cuttings, it will be very difficult to make it bloom. Osmanthus planting stock should be grafted seedlings using mature branches of a superior variety as scions, or seedlings obtained by air layering at the base of flower-bearing branches; these are not only good in quality but also easy to bloom once established.
②Improper cultivation. Neutral sandy soil is most suitable; in loam with relatively high alkalinity it often blooms little or not at all. Damage to the roots or exposure to freezing during transplanting will inevitably weaken its growth, and it will not bloom for 3 to 5 years. Osmanthus likes light and dislikes warmth; long-term insufficient light may prevent it from blooming. Soil that is too wet and causes root rot, or long periods of high temperature and dryness, will also affect flower bud differentiation.
③Caused by disease. Osmanthus is afraid of chlorine and cannot tolerate smoke and dust. When smoke and dust are heavy, growth is poor, the leaves become smaller and drop off, and it cannot bloom. Osmanthus is also prone to damage from pests and diseases such as anthracnose and scale insects; if not controlled in time, this likewise affects blooming. In addition, mistakenly pruning the spring shoots will affect blooming that year. Cutting too many branches from an osmanthus in full bloom will weaken its growth and affect blooming in the future.
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