Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii): when and how to prune

Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii): when to prune it?

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Straight after flowering, in May. It flowers on the previous year’s wood, so pruning later costs flowers.

What else to prune in those months? May

Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii): how to prune it?

1. Trim the shrub or hedge into shape with secateurs or a hedge trimmer; the small leaves tolerate a hedge trimmer well.
2. Remove dead and crossing branches.
3. An overgrown shrub tolerates hard pruning; it shoots again slowly but reliably.
4. Keep a hedge slightly wider at the bottom than at the top.

How much to cut, and how often?

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

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in 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.
• Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii) flowers in April–May, 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

• Delavay osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi)
• Holly olive
• Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans)
• Box (buxus)
• Camellia
• Cherry laurel

Plant profile: Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus × burkwoodii) · Pruning calendar and basic rules