Midweek with Mark - "Osmanthus & Relatives"

Presented by Mark Weathington, Director, JC Raulston Arboretum on October 12, 2022.
We love Osmanthus - often known asd sweet olive - but did you know it actually is related to olives? Not only that but some of our favorite garden plants from lilacs to forsythia are in the same family. Join Mark as he talks about some of his favorite selections from this aromatic group.
This program was a live performance that was streamed online. Tune into our midweek program live on Zoom, Wednesdays at 3:00pm eastern time. Here's the link: jcra.ncsu.edu/midweek/

[@bonniewillliams441]

Love this program! The explanations and education are most appreciated. Thank you.

[@NoVaCitrusGrower]

Osmanthus heterophyllus has escaped and I've seen several growing in a wooded undeveloped gulch near my home in northern VA, not too far from an intermittent stream. Deer have not bothered it. Also, you did not discuss O. armatus I don't believe, unless I missed it. It does well up here in zone 7A, maybe even into 6B, and is quite cold-tolerant. Older leaves can become entire, which is nice. Younger leaves are very heavily 'armed'. Another interesting hybrid I am growing is Osmanthus x burkwoodii, which blooms in early spring -- sort of honey-scented flowers. Can be sheared quite compactly.

[@brutusadmirer8043]

I see a few Chionanthus retusus in the Triad, but I've seen several efforts to grow it fail. So very interesting that it is thought tough. A limbed up single stalk Chionanthus virginicus is just as pretty if not more so.

[@mariusmarius4832]

Thank you

[@susancruz729]

My all time favorite shrub Osmanthus fragrans. We have a 15’ plant that flowers all winter, so a 10 year old aurantiacus has proved a disappointment. Showy in flower though, and a slower tighter grower. I also have Massey Lane.

[@susancruz729]

I have read that a 20 degree temperature shift is what triggers flowering. Yummy.

[@geriannroth449]

Where can i purchase seeds for this fragrant plant?

[@stevedotson8207]

Lilacs like lime.

[@stevedotson8207]

A lot of olive family from dry climates

[@danielleditenhafer8458]

What is the name of the Osmanthus in the background?

[@jcraulstonarb]

It is a selection of Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus. Mark is sitting in a spot close to several selections so it could be one of these: Apricot Echo, Beni Kin Mokusei, or Orange Supreme

[@katiekane5247]

I've seen reversion on the Sunshine Privet where it's taken over most of the shrub. Anything over planted isn't a good idea, as we've seen. I feel like an unintended eco- terrorist for ever selling Privet, Ivy & Chinese Wisteria. As penance, I'm fighting those from the property next to me. Karma got me!

[@BCole83]

Any plans to have Apricot Echo in the plant buggy sale soon? :)

[@jcraulstonarb]

We have no specific plans to put this on the plant cart. But you never know... ;) Keep an eye on our plant cart sale page (jcra.ncsu.edu/horticulture/sales/plant-sale-buggy/index.php) where we list all the current plants for sale. We update the page twice per week on Monday's and Thursday's around midday.

[@waterdd1]

@@jcraulstonarblink doesn’t work

[@stevedotson8207]

The native Chionanthus likes lime.

[@chrisjones-dr2db]

My pearly gates leave's have gone brown why😢