Determining the exact number of osmanthus varieties is indeed challenging, given the complex taxonomy and numerous cultivars within the genus Osmanthus. The four major lineages you mentioned – Gold Osmanthus, Silver Osmanthus, Cinnabar Osmanthus, and Laurel – form the foundation for many subtypes and hybrids. Among the multitude of osmanthus varieties, some have gained particular renown for their unique characteristics, fragrance, or ornamental value.
Let’s explore ten of the most celebrated osmanthus varieties:
Scholar Red is one of the most prized cultivars within the osmanthus genus. This exceptional variety is characterized by its compact and well-structured crown, excellent branching habit, and vigorous growth pattern. The plant’s most striking feature is its large, profuse flowers that bloom in a deep orange-red hue, elevating its ornamental value to extraordinary levels.
This cultivar’s growth habit and stunning floral display make it an ideal choice for various landscape applications. It excels as a focal point or specimen plant in parks, scenic areas, and residential gardens. In colder northern regions, where it may not be winter-hardy, Scholar Red adapts well to container cultivation, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty and fragrance by moving it to protected areas during harsh weather.
The blooming period of Scholar Red typically spans from late September to early October, providing a vibrant autumn display. This timing is particularly valuable in garden design, as it offers color and interest when many other plants are beginning to decline.
In 2001, horticultural experts conducted a comprehensive evaluation of osmanthus varieties, and Scholar Red emerged as a standout cultivar. Its recognition as a superior variety underscores its importance not only in ornamental horticulture but also in botanical research.
The unique characteristics of Scholar Red, including its flower color, form, and growth habits, make it a valuable subject for genetic studies and breeding programs aimed at developing new osmanthus cultivars.
To cultivate Scholar Red successfully, provide it with well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. With proper care, this exceptional osmanthus variety will reward gardeners with its stunning appearance and delightful fragrance for many years.
Globe Osmanthus is a distinguished cultivar of the Osmanthus genus, known for its unique growth habit and exceptional flowering characteristics. This variety is characterized by its long, gracefully arching stems adorned with numerous small flowers arranged in large, symmetrically spaced globular clusters.
Typically, Globe Osmanthus begins its flowering cycle in its third year after planting, showcasing its blooms 2-3 times annually.
As a premium cultivar, it’s renowned for its intense fragrance, which can be detected from a considerable distance during peak blooming periods. The flowers themselves are a sight to behold, with petals densely clustered to form brilliant golden spheres, providing outstanding ornamental value to any landscape.
The primary blooming season for Globe Osmanthus usually commences around September 15th each year, though this can vary slightly depending on local climate conditions. This consistent and predictable flowering pattern makes it an excellent choice for urban landscaping projects.
Globe Osmanthus is particularly well-suited for city greening initiatives due to its compact growth habit, pollution tolerance, and low maintenance requirements. Its fragrant blooms and attractive year-round foliage make it an ideal candidate for parks, street plantings, and public gardens. As such, it is highly recommended for cultivation and promotion in cities aiming to enhance their floral displays and overall green spaces.
For optimal growth and flowering, Globe Osmanthus prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its distinctive globular shape and encourages abundant blooming in subsequent seasons.
The Long-Stemmed Golden Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii) is a distinctive and fast-growing cultivar within the autumn osmanthus group. This evergreen tree stands out for its unique characteristics and ornamental value.
Typically reaching maturity after 7-8 years, this variety begins its impressive annual flowering display. The blooming period usually commences in early to mid-September, aligning with the traditional autumn osmanthus season.
The tree’s most striking feature is its profusion of golden-yellow flowers, which emit an intense, sweet fragrance that permeates the surrounding area. This potent aroma is not only pleasing but also long-lasting, often persisting throughout the blooming period.
Structurally, the Long-Stemmed Golden Osmanthus is characterized by its upright growth habit and smooth, straight trunk. As it matures, it develops a distinctive umbrella-shaped crown, creating an appealing silhouette. This architectural form, combined with its floral display, makes it an excellent choice for various landscape applications.
The tree’s aesthetic qualities and adaptability render it particularly valuable for garden plantings and urban greening projects. Its compact form is well-suited for street tree plantings, where it can provide both beauty and fragrance without impeding pedestrian or vehicular traffic. In garden settings, it serves as an attractive focal point or can be used to create fragrant hedges or screens.
Moreover, the Long-Stemmed Golden Osmanthus is relatively low-maintenance once established, adding to its appeal for both public and private landscapes. Its evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, while its spectacular autumn display provides a seasonal highlight in temperate climates.
Among the diverse osmanthus varieties, the Nine Dragons Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans ‘Jiulongzui’) stands out as a truly exceptional cultivar. Its distinctive form and remarkable flowers make it a prized specimen in the world of ornamental plants.
The most striking feature of this variety is its naturally sculpted growth habit. The rounded, twisting branches create an intricate, dragon-like silhouette without any need for human intervention or pruning. This unique characteristic is what gives the plant its evocative name, evoking the image of nine intertwining dragons.
The Nine Dragons Osmanthus further distinguishes itself with its vibrant purplish-red new shoots, which provide a striking contrast against the mature green foliage. As the plant blooms, it produces clusters of exquisitely fragrant, silver-white flowers. These blossoms release a sweet, penetrating scent that is characteristic of the osmanthus genus but particularly refined in this cultivar.
This superior osmanthus variety masterfully combines ornamental foliage, architectural beauty, and olfactory delight. Its unique attributes – the dragon-like form, the contrast of new growth, and the aromatic flowers – create a multisensory experience that has captivated horticulturists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.
The Nine Dragons Osmanthus holds a special place in Chinese culture and history. Its unique personality, mysterious coloration, and profound symbolism made it a favorite among royal nobles. Dragons have long been associated with imperial power in Chinese tradition, and the plant’s form naturally evoked this powerful symbol.
During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties, the Nine Dragons Osmanthus achieved particular prominence. Local officials in Sichuan Province, where the plant is believed to have originated, would offer specimens to the imperial court as precious tribute gifts. This practice not only demonstrated the plant’s high status but also helped to spread its cultivation beyond its native region.
Today, the Nine Dragons Osmanthus remains a highly sought-after plant for gardens and landscapes. Its compact size (typically growing to 2-3 meters tall) makes it suitable for smaller spaces, while its year-round interest ensures it remains a focal point in any setting. Gardeners appreciate it not only for its beauty and fragrance but also for its relatively low maintenance requirements and resistance to pests and diseases.
In cultivation, the Nine Dragons Osmanthus prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a position that receives full sun to partial shade. While it’s hardy in USDA zones 8-11, it can also be grown in containers in cooler climates, allowing it to be moved indoors during harsh winters.
The enduring popularity of the Nine Dragons Osmanthus is a testament to its unique characteristics and cultural significance. It continues to be a living link to centuries of horticultural tradition, while its natural beauty and fragrance ensure its place in modern gardens and landscapes.
Golden Globe Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans ‘Jin Qiu’) is one of the most prized cultivars within the Osmanthus genus. This exceptional variety is the result of decades of meticulous breeding and selection by horticulturists, who have refined the best traits from the golden osmanthus group.
The distinguishing features of Golden Globe Osmanthus are its striking golden-yellow flowers, which are larger and more abundant than those of other golden osmanthus varieties. The blooms, typically measuring 1-1.5 cm in diameter, are densely clustered in globular inflorescences at leaf axils, creating a spectacular display when in full flower. Each inflorescence can contain up to 20 individual flowers, contributing to the plant’s impressive floral display.
The fragrance of Golden Globe Osmanthus is particularly noteworthy. Its sweet, apricot-like scent is more intense and longer-lasting compared to other cultivars. This is due to its higher concentration of essential oils, with an impressive 18% osmanthus essence content, surpassing the 16% found in most other varieties. This elevated essence content not only enhances the olfactory experience but also increases the plant’s value for perfumery and culinary applications.
Golden Globe Osmanthus typically flowers in autumn, with its blooming period lasting for several weeks. The plant itself is an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) at maturity. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, providing an attractive backdrop for the golden blooms.
This cultivar demonstrates superior adaptability to various environmental conditions, including tolerance to urban pollution, making it an excellent choice for city landscaping. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sun to partial shade locations.
The combination of its visual appeal, intense fragrance, and robust growth characteristics has made Golden Globe Osmanthus a highly sought-after variety for both private gardens and public spaces. It is particularly effective when used as a specimen plant, in mixed shrub borders, or as a fragrant hedge. Additionally, its flowers can be harvested for use in teas, wines, and traditional Chinese medicine, further enhancing its value in horticultural and cultural contexts.
Buddha’s Pearl (Osmanthus fragrans ‘Buddha’s Pearl’) is a highly prized cultivar of the sweet osmanthus tree. This exceptional variety is renowned for its precocious flowering habit, with young plants capable of producing blooms within their first year of growth. The flowers emerge in dense clusters at the apex of new shoots, resembling delicate white pearls just before they unfurl, which inspired its poetic name.
The flowering period of Buddha’s Pearl is remarkably extensive, commencing in mid-to-late August and reaching its peak from early September through New Year’s Day.
Impressively, the blooming continues well into the Lunar New Year, resulting in a flowering duration of nearly six months. With optimal conditions—including ample sunlight, judicious pruning, and appropriate fertilization—this cultivar can maintain almost continuous bloom throughout this extended period.
One of the most notable attributes of Buddha’s Pearl is its exceptional resilience to environmental stressors. It demonstrates remarkable tolerance to various air pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). This adaptability allows it to thrive and flower even in challenging urban environments, making it an ideal choice for city landscaping and areas with compromised air quality.
The cultivar’s hardiness extends beyond pollution resistance. Buddha’s Pearl exhibits strong cold tolerance, enabling it to withstand lower temperatures than many other osmanthus varieties. This cold hardiness, combined with its general resilience to adverse conditions, contributes to its versatility in landscape applications.
Given its array of desirable characteristics, Buddha’s Pearl stands out as one of the premier osmanthus varieties for multiple landscape purposes. It excels in:
Its compact growth habit, coupled with its abundant, fragrant blooms, makes Buddha’s Pearl an excellent choice for both residential gardens and large-scale landscaping projects. The plant’s ability to flower profusely while maintaining resilience to environmental challenges positions it as a valuable asset in sustainable and low-maintenance landscape design.
Sun Fragrant Osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii) is renowned as one of the most aromatic osmanthus varieties. Its name derives from its remarkable characteristic of continuous blooming and its intense, sweet fragrance. This cultivar boasts broad adaptability and robust disease resistance, thriving in slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-6.5) that are rich in organic matter.
This evergreen shrub or small tree requires a cool, moist microclimate and demonstrates moderate cold hardiness (USDA zones 7-10). Its well-developed root system supports rapid growth, allowing the glossy, dark green leaves to remain vibrant year-round, enhancing its ornamental value.
Sun Fragrant Osmanthus is distinguished by its exceptionally long flowering period. In its native China, it blooms continuously during four major festivals—Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October), National Day (October), New Year’s Day (January), and Spring Festival (January/February). During these times, its clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers release a pervasive, apricot-like scent that perfumes the air.
As a versatile and valuable evergreen flowering tree, Sun Fragrant Osmanthus can be cultivated in various forms:
Its adaptability to different growing conditions and pruning techniques makes it an excellent choice for gardens, parks, and urban landscapes. When grown indoors or in containers, it requires bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.
Regular pruning after flowering helps maintain its desired shape and promotes denser growth. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and abundant blooming.
The flowers of Sun Fragrant Osmanthus are not only ornamental but also edible. They are often used in Chinese cuisine to flavor teas, wines, and desserts, adding both fragrance and a subtle sweetness to culinary creations.
This cultivar’s combination of year-round greenery, prolific flowering, intense fragrance, and cultural significance in Chinese tradition makes it a prized addition to any garden or landscape design, offering beauty and sensory delight across multiple seasons.
Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion (天香閣, Tiān Xiāng Gé) is an exceptional cultivar within the Four Seasons Osmanthus (四季桂, Sì Jì Guì) group, renowned for its unique floral characteristics and year-round blooming habit. This rare variety, native to China, exhibits a fascinating morphological phenomenon known as proliferation.
The distinguishing feature of Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion is its complex floral structure. Within the normal flowers and those resembling leaves (phyllody), additional floral or foliar structures often emerge. This creates a captivating “pavilion” effect, where leaves appear hidden within flowers, or flowers nestled within other flowers, hence its poetic name.
The fragrance of Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion is remarkably potent, surpassing that of other Four Seasons Osmanthus varieties. Its ability to bloom throughout the year further sets it apart from its relatives, making it a prized specimen in gardens and landscapes.
This cultivar boasts five notable advantages:
These exceptional qualities led Professor Chen Junyu, a respected authority in the field, to praise Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion with the poetic description: “A wonderful pavilion, a beautiful scene throughout the seasons; an excellent choice, with fragrance wafting thousands of miles.” This evocative phrase encapsulates the cultivar’s year-round beauty, its unique “pavilion” floral structure, and its far-reaching, delightful scent.
For horticulturists and garden enthusiasts, Heavenly Fragrant Pavilion represents a remarkable achievement in Osmanthus breeding, combining aesthetic appeal, fragrance, and extended blooming period in a single plant. Its cultivation likely requires similar conditions to other Osmanthus varieties, including well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and protection from harsh winter conditions in colder climates.
The Full Red osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans ‘Zhusha Dangui’) is a striking cultivar known for its vibrant orange-red flowers, setting it apart from the more common white and yellow varieties. Native to Xianning, Hubei Province, China, this variety is locally referred to as “hong hua” or “red flower.”
Prized since ancient times, Full Red is a prominent cinnabar osmanthus cultivar in its native region. The plant boasts evergreen foliage, maintaining lush branches and leaves throughout the year. Its flowers emit a subtle yet distinctive fragrance that is often described as refined and dignified, rather than overpowering or delicate.
The unique floral scent of Full Red osmanthus has made it a favorite among Chinese literati and artists for centuries. Traditional descriptions praise osmanthus fragrance for being “nong” (intense), “qing” (clear), “yuan” (lasting), and “yuan” (far-reaching), qualities that are particularly evident in this cultivar.
Horticulturally, Full Red osmanthus is classified as a premium ornamental plant. Its striking appearance and cultural significance make it a popular choice for garden landscapes, where it serves as both a visual focal point and a source of sensory pleasure through its fragrance.
Key characteristics of Full Red osmanthus include:
While Full Red is the most well-known red variety of osmanthus, it’s worth noting that there are other cultivars that display reddish hues, such as ‘Zhuanghong Gui’ (Brick Red Osmanthus) and ‘Yingye Dangui’ (Red-Leafed Cinnabar Osmanthus).
However, Full Red remains the quintessential red osmanthus variety, celebrated for its unique combination of vibrant color, refined fragrance, and cultural importance.
Jade Linglong (玉玲珑) is one of the most prized cultivars of Osmanthus fragrans, renowned for its exquisite beauty and intense fragrance. This ancient variety of silver osmanthus (银桂) has been cherished in the East China region for centuries, particularly esteemed for its prolific flowering habit.
When in full bloom, Jade Linglong produces an abundance of tiny, star-shaped flowers that blanket the entire shrub. The floral display is so profuse that its sweet, alluring scent can be detected from a meter away.
The fragrance is delicate yet pervasive, with subtle notes that are often described as a blend of apricot and jasmine. True to its name, which translates to “Jade Exquisite,” the flowers possess a clarity and luminosity reminiscent of fine jade, making it a standout among osmanthus varieties.
The ornamental value of Jade Linglong extends beyond its flowers. This cultivar boasts an appealing growth habit, forming a well-structured, compact shrub or small tree. Its evergreen foliage consists of small, narrow leaves that create a dense, attractive canopy year-round. This combination of lush foliage, abundant blossoms, and intoxicating fragrance makes Jade Linglong highly prized in landscape design.
Horticulturally versatile, Jade Linglong excels in various garden applications. It is an excellent choice for specimen planting, hedges, or as part of mixed shrub borders. Its compact growth habit and slow growth rate also make it ideal for container cultivation, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty and fragrance on patios, balconies, or in small urban spaces.
For those interested in harvesting osmanthus flowers for culinary or aromatic purposes, Jade Linglong is particularly suitable. Its profuse flowering and intense fragrance yield a high-quality harvest, often used in teas, confections, and traditional Chinese medicine.
The adaptability of Jade Linglong to different growing conditions further enhances its appeal. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. With proper care, including regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth, Jade Linglong can become a long-lived, cherished feature in any garden or landscape design.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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