Osmanthus heterophyllus Purpureus

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus', a very beautiful form with purple foliage of the variable-leaved Osmanthus, is an evergreen bush that is as colourful as it is pleasantly fragrant. Its ornamental value, while comparable to that of holly, surpasses it with the almost red colour of its youngest leaves, as well as its white flowering that spreads a beautiful jasmine fragrance with fruity notes at the end of the season. With its dense habit, prickly, dark, shiny, and colourful foliage, it is attractive all year round and is perfectly suited for creating medium-sized hedges that are evergreen, fragrant, and defensive. Variable-leaved Osmanthus is a bush that tolerates pruning perfectly and is suitable for beginner gardeners or those lacking inspiration. Plant them in ordinary soil, in all exposures, in all our regions!

Osmanthus heterophyllus, also known as Variable-leaved Osmanthus, is a hardy bush that can withstand temperatures below -15°C (5 °F), native to Japan and Taiwan. It belongs to the large and diverse family of Oleaceae, which includes, for example, olive trees, lilacs, and jasmines. 'Purpureus', a natural mutation of the species, differs only in the colour of its foliage, which is particularly purple in the juvenile stage.

The growth of this bush is quite slow, but faster than that of holly. It has a dense, bushy habit, taller than wide, reaching approximately 2.50m (8ft 2in) in height and 1.75m (5ft 8in) in width when mature. In very favourable conditions, it can exceed 3m (9ft 10in) in height and 2m (6ft 7in) in width. The evergreen foliage is composed of ovate, thick, and leathery leaves, strongly serrated at the edges, spiny, resembling holly leaves. They measure 4.5 to 6cm (1.8 to 2.4in) long and 3cm (1.2in) wide. The shiny leaves change from red to purple and then to a forest green with varying shades of purple. They are pubescent and lighter underneath. From September to October, small clusters of white flowers in the shape of short tubes appear on the new shoots, in the axils of the leaves. They measure 2 to 5mm (0.1 to 0.2in) in diameter and emit a complex fragrance reminiscent of jasmine, but lighter, softened by hints of apricot and peach. After pollination by pollinating insects, the flowers are followed by the formation of blue-black fruits, measuring 0.5 to 1cm (0.2 to 0.4in) long.

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' is no more difficult to grow than boxwood or holly, adapts to a wide range of soils and exposures, and is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. It can be used in shrub borders, trimmed or untrimmed hedges, flowering or defensive, alone or even in a large container, where it will perfectly play its role as a windbreak or screen on a terrace or balcony, for example. Plant it near a pathway to fully enjoy its fragrance. It tolerates pruning well (in spring to not compromise flowering) and is suitable for topiary art, forming magnificent evergreen hedges. It can be associated with other shrubs that bloom in autumn and winter, such as Elaeagnus, Mahonia, Sarcococca, or Garrya elliptica, in partial shade. In an evergreen hedge, it will go well with purple-leaved Viburnum tinus and Mahonia aquifolium 'Atropurpurea', whose foliage displays similar purplish hues. Their fragrant blooms will succeed each other from autumn to early spring, bringing colour and fragrance to the garden during a period of scarce flowering.

Properties and uses:

Osmanthus flowers are sometimes mixed with tea to flavour it, or with biscuits, and are locally used in the production of a very old traditional Chinese liqueur served in jade cups. Perfumery also uses Osmanthus absolute in the composition of high-end perfumes or cosmetics. Osmanthus 'absolute' also has repellent properties against insects. The bark and roots are part of traditional Asian pharmacopoeia and are used to treat various inflammatory conditions or chronic coughs.