Orange blossom shrub is a beautiful plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. This plant is easy to care for and is quite hardy, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Orange blossom shrub is an evergreen plant, meaning it will keep its leaves year-round. The leaves are a deep green color and are quite glossy. The flowers of this plant are what give it its name, as they are a delicate orange color. Orange blossom shrub is a relatively slow-growing plant, but it can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide at maturity.
Related plant:
Bush Orange
Related plant:
Mexican Mock Orange
About soil condition, orange blossom shrub (Osmanthus fragrans) prefers neutral to slightly acidic, humus-rich soil. It will tolerate less than ideal conditions, but won't be as vigorous. The ideal spot for planting is in full sun to partial shade. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in some sand to improve drainage before planting.
Like the other orange trees, orange blossom shrubs need full sun to produce the most blossoms. If you live in an area with intense heat, you may need to provide some afternoon shade. This can be done by planting the shrub next to a taller tree or building. Orange blossom shrubs are also fairly drought tolerant once they are established.
The temperature condition that is best for the orange blossom shrub is a warm climate. This shrub thrives in warm weather and does not do well in cooler climates. If you live in a cooler climate, you may need to provide extra warmth for this shrub. One way to do this is to grow the shrub in a pot and bring it indoors during the cooler months.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 60 - 80%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will drop and the flowers will wilt. If the air is too humid, the leaves will yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
The fertilizer, usually the plant food, is very important to the orange blossom shrub. The root system is very strong, and it can absorb a lot of nutrients from the soil. However, it is still important to fertilize the orange blossom shrub regularly.
Pruning your orange blossom shrub will keep it healthy and looking its best. It's important to prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You'll also want to trim back any branches that are growing too close to the ground or that are interfering with other plants in the garden. When pruning, be sure to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be about 6 inches long. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be placed in a rooting hormone and then placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should be placed in a warm location out of direct sunlight. Once roots have developed and the plant is established, it can be transplanted to its desired location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is dependent on the age of the plant. Young plants will grow at a faster rate than older plants. The growth rate is also determined by the amount of sunlight and water the plant receives.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, scale, and whitefly. These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off the plant. In severe cases, the plant may die. To control these pests, use an insecticide or hire a professional pest control company.
Source:
Orange Blossom - Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating
Managing Pests in Gardens: Trees and Shrubs: ChoisyaUC IPM - ucanr.edu
Mock-orange | OSU Extension Service
