Osmanthus Orange Supreme

Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus 'Orange Supreme' is an evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy deep-green foliage and small orange to creamy-orange flowers. The clustered blooms carry a powerful sweet apricot fragrance, with gardenia and jasmine notes also reported. An unpruned plant may reach approximately 3–4 m high and wide, while regular pruning can maintain a more compact form for a fragrant feature, hedge, screen, espalier or large container.

Key features

• Botanical name: Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus 'Orange Supreme'
• Common name: Orange Supreme fragrant tea olive
• Plant type: evergreen shrub or small tree
• Mature height: approximately 3–4 m if unpruned
• Mature width: approximately 3–4 m if unpruned
• Foliage: leathery, glossy deep green; red-flushed new growth is reported
• Flower colour: orange to creamy orange
• Flower form: small clustered flowers
• Flowering season: primarily summer to autumn in an Australian specialist reference; timing varies
• Fragrance: powerful sweet apricot scent, with gardenia and jasmine notes also reported
• Growth habit: upright and dense, responsive to pruning
• Position: full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade in hot-summer positions
• Soil: humus-rich to average and well-drained
• Container suitability: suitable for a large container with regular pruning

Growing in Australia

Australian sources favour morning sun or partial shade in protected sites, especially where summers are hot. Maintain moderate moisture during establishment and hot dry periods while ensuring free drainage. Use approximately 3–4 m high and wide as an unpruned planning size, noting that regular pruning can substantially influence the final form. Summer to autumn is the main Australian flowering reference, but local climate may shift the timing. The plant remains evergreen through winter.

Care tips

Water regularly while establishing and during extended dry weather. Mulch to conserve root-zone moisture, keeping material clear of the trunk. Prune after flowering to maintain the required size and encourage a bushy habit. A large container needs dependable drainage, regular watering and ongoing size management. Monitor for scale and aphids, and provide afternoon shade in exposed hot positions.

Best uses

• Fragrant feature shrub
• Hedge or screen
• Espalier
• Large container

Purchase note

Available from Summer Garden. Product availability and plant size may vary by season.

FAQs

How large does Osmanthus Orange Supreme grow?

Without pruning, allow approximately 3–4 m in height and width; regular pruning can maintain a smaller plant.

What colour are the flowers?

The small clustered flowers are orange to creamy orange.

What does Orange Supreme smell like?

It has a powerful sweet apricot fragrance, with gardenia and jasmine notes also reported.