shrub

San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus

Name: San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus
Brand: Osmanthus
Availability: InStock

Osmanthus fortunei 'San Jose'

$55.00

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid (parents from Asia)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Osmanthus x fortunei is a large, dense, evergreen hybrid shrub, a cross between O. fragrans and O. heterophyllus. It features handsome, leathery, dark green leaves that are spiny like holly when young, becoming smoother with age. The 'San Jose' cultivar is selected for its exceptional profusion of flowers. In autumn, it is covered in tiny white blossoms that release an incredibly powerful and delightful fragrance, often compared to apricots or jasmine, which can perfume an entire garden.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This Osmanthus is a handsome, architectural evergreen that provides a strong backdrop for other plants. Its primary ornamental feature is the profusion of incredibly fragrant flowers that perfume the garden in autumn when few other plants are blooming.

Its dense, spiny foliage makes it an excellent choice for creating a tough, impenetrable privacy hedge or security screen. It is also highly tolerant of pruning and can be shaped into a small tree or a formal hedge.

The fragrant flowers provide a late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinating insects preparing for winter. The dense evergreen structure offers excellent cover and potential nesting sites for birds year-round.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$55.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site in sun or part shade with well-drained soil.
Amend soil with compost to improve structure and fertility.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the amended soil and water thoroughly.
Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant it where you can enjoy the heavenly fall fragrance, such as near a walkway, patio, or open window.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a deep root system.
Prune after flowering to maintain size and shape.
Provide good drainage.
Plant in a location protected from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

Don't

Don't plant in waterlogged or consistently wet soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces flowering.
Don't shear heavily, which can remove next year's flower buds.
Don't let it dry out completely during establishment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Intensely fragrant evergreen hedge or screenStately foundation planting for large buildingsSpecimen shrub near patios or windows

Companion Plants

Camellia sasanqua Loropetalum chinense Mahonia bealei Aspidistra elatior Rhododendron sp.

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus questions

What zones can San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus grow in?

San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus deer resistant?

Yes — San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus bloom?

San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus typically blooms in early fall through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus need full sun?

San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), San Jose Fortune's Osmanthus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.