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Advice for Osmanthus Fragrans pruning/general care

ZeeegillyZeeegilly Posts: 6
in Problem solving
I have 3 mature Osmanthus Fragrans - planted over 2 years ago. They aren't the healthiest of specimens as they are quite shaded by large neighbouring fig and sycamore trees, as well as our house. But they look fantastic, especially when under-lit at night, and the few flowers that have appeared smell divine.

They drop quite a lot of leaves, and are looking a bit thin, but I think a prune should help. I'm finding conflicting advice on when to do this - November/end of winter/June.....when is best? I'm thinking of taking about 10" off the tops. Or should I do more selective pruning? Or both?

All advice welcome - including any tips to make them as happy as possible. 

Thanks



Posts

  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    It is strange that they are losing leaves, in fact being evergreen they are not supposed to. Maybe they don't get enough water. It is a very slow growing plant (well mine is) so you must have planted large specimens two years ago. Usually Osmanthus are only pruned lightly to keep them in shape. But if you must, late spring after flowering is the best time, left too late in the summer the new growth may suffer frost, depending where you live of course.  I would definitely not do it in November. I would also give them a good scatter of bone and blood meal now. 

    Luxembourg
  • coccinellacoccinella Posts: 1,428
    Forgot to say that they flower on wood made the previous season. So you might not have flowers next year if you prune too heavily

    Luxembourg
  • ZeeegillyZeeegilly Posts: 6
    Thanks @coccinella - I'll give them a bone and blood feed, and wait a few weeks more before having a little tidy up. I'm in Gloucestershire, and they're in a fairly sheltered spot regarding frost. I do water them in the summer, as am sure the other trees are taking much of the moisture.
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    edited March 2021
    Most Osmanthus regrow from old wood, which is why you sometimes see them as hedges. One thing you could do to get them bushier at the base would be to remove a third of the leggy growth down to the base this year, then a third next year, and the final third the year after that. The plants should regenerate from shoots produced low down. However, I have only seen this done with Osmanthus heterophyllus and O. x burkwoodii so others may have experience of this species in particular. You'd need to feed very well too, as they will be competing with the tree roots. This and the shade could explain why they got so leggy in the first place. 
  • ZeeegillyZeeegilly Posts: 6
    Thanks cambridgerose12
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