Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi): when and how to prune

Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi): when to prune it?

JFMAMJJASOND

Straight after flowering, in April–May. It rarely needs pruning.

What else to prune in those months? April · May

Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi): how to prune it?

1. Cut dead, weak and crossing branches back to a healthy side shoot.
2. As a hedge, trim it once a year after flowering with secateurs or hedge shears.
3. To keep it smaller, shorten it after flowering in small steps, not drastically all at once.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: April–May.
• Prune in moderation: never remove more than about a third of the shrub at once.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in April–May can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi) flowers in March–April, when it attracts bees.
• If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii)
• Holly olive
• Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans)
• Bluebeard
• Box (buxus)
• Butterfly bush

Plant profile: Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi) · Pruning calendar and basic rules