How to grow osmanthus so it thrives? Keep these care tips in mind

The mention of osmanthus brings to mind the time when osmanthus is in full bloom, when the air is filled with its fragrance, which is deeply intoxicating to the senses. So how do you grow osmanthus well? What should you pay attention to?

Soil

Osmanthus is not strict about soil and can generally grow, but it should not be planted in alkaline soil, low-lying land, or soil that is too heavy and poorly drained. A slightly acidic sandy soil with deep, loose, fertile layers and good drainage is preferable.

Light

Osmanthus likes sunlight and cannot tolerate shade and cold, so it needs to be planted in a place with plenty of sunlight.

Temperature

Osmanthus is a subtropical plant and needs at least 6-8 hours of light a day. Although osmanthus is fairly cold-tolerant, the temperature must not drop below minus 13 degrees, and the optimal growing temperature is 15-28 degrees.

Watering

Osmanthus likes moisture. During the young stage and when mature trees are flowering, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If it is too dry, flowering will be affected. Especially in summer, make sure there is enough water, watering in the morning and evening as conditions require.

Fertilizing

Use organic fertilizer as the main type. When osmanthus sprouts in spring, apply a dilute fully rotted cake fertilizer solution or pig manure liquid about every 10 days. After July, a compound organic fertilizer is best. In early September, apply the last liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphate fertilizer, which can promote the growth of osmanthus and help it bloom.

Pruning

When osmanthus sprouts in spring, cut off dead branches, weak branches, and diseased branches. After flowering in autumn, cut off overly dense branches to strengthen the tree.

Pest and disease control

For insect pests, a diluted insecticide spray can be used directly for control. For diseases, simply cut off the diseased leaves and branches.

Notes on growing osmanthus

Remember: do not grow osmanthus in alkaline soil or soil with poor drainage and aeration; when watering osmanthus, do not cause waterlogging, otherwise it can easily cause the roots to turn black and rot, the leaf tips to scorch, and in severe cases even lead to the death of the osmanthus; if you need to transplant osmanthus, it is best to do it on an overcast and rainy day.