How do you tell osmanthus varieties apart? A beginner's guide to the differences and traits of common varieties

There are many cultivars of sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), among which Jingu (Golden Osmanthus), Yingui (Silver Osmanthus), Dangui (Orange Osmanthus) and Sijigui (Four-Season Osmanthus) are some of the more common ones. Each has its own unique characteristics and identification methods. The following is a detailed introduction to these four types of osmanthus:

1. Silver Osmanthus

Flowering period and flower color: It blooms in autumn, with the flowering period mainly concentrated in August-November. The flower color is relatively delicate, including pure white, milky white, yellowish white or pale yellow, all carrying the color quality of "white and green."

Leaf characteristics: The leaves are leathery, elliptical, long-elliptical or elliptic-lanceolate. The upper surface is lighter in color, green or bluish green, with moderate glossiness.

Fragrance: The floral fragrance is fresh and delicate, similar to that of Golden Osmanthus, but lighter.

2. Golden Osmanthus

Flowering period and flower color: It also blooms in autumn, and the flower color is rich and varied, ranging from pale lemon yellow to golden yellow, with varying shades.

Leaf characteristics: The leaf margins have relatively irregular serrations, the leaf surface is uneven, and the color is dark green with abundant gloss.

Fragrance: The floral fragrance is rich, and can even be described as very strong, making it one of the osmanthus types with a more prominent fragrance.

3. Orange Osmanthus

Flowering period and flower color: The flowering period is also in autumn, and the flower color is relatively deep, appearing pale orange-yellow, orange-yellow to orange-red or deep orange-red. It is the type with the most vivid flower color among osmanthus.

Leaf characteristics: The leaves are thick, large and smooth, elliptical, with relatively sharp tips; the upper surface of the leaf is dark in color, deep green, with a strong texture.

Fragrance: The floral fragrance is rich. Although it is not as strong as some Golden Osmanthus cultivars, it still belongs to the type with a relatively strong fragrance among osmanthus.

4. Four-Season Osmanthus

Flowering period and flower color: Unlike the other three types of osmanthus, Four-Season Osmanthus can bloom in all four seasons, but mainly in autumn. The flower color is relatively pale, ranging from milky yellow to lemon yellow, not as vivid as other cultivars.

Leaf characteristics: New leaves are dark red, while mature leaves turn green or yellow-green; the leaves are opposite, mostly elliptical or long-elliptical, with a smooth leathery surface and serrated margins.

Fragrance: The floral fragrance is not as rich as that of Silver Osmanthus, Golden Osmanthus or Orange Osmanthus, and is relatively light.

Summary

In terms of flower color, Orange Osmanthus has the deepest flower color, ranging from orange-yellow to orange-red and even vermilion; Golden Osmanthus is next, with flower colors from pale yellow to golden yellow; Silver Osmanthus tends toward the more delicate white-yellow range; Four-Season Osmanthus has the palest flower color, from milky yellow to lemon yellow. In terms of leaf characteristics, the four types of osmanthus each have their own strengths, differing in leaf color, shape and texture. In terms of fragrance, Golden Osmanthus and Orange Osmanthus are relatively rich, Silver Osmanthus is next, and Four-Season Osmanthus is relatively light.