Osmanthus tree cultivation methods and precautions

The sweet-scented osmanthus tree , with its fragrant fragrance and auspicious symbol, has become a favorite of many gardening enthusiasts. The sweet-scented osmanthus tree also has good meaning in many places, and some families like to grow one in the yard. Let’s learn about the cultivation methods and precautions of osmanthus trees .

1. Choose the right varieties and seedlings

There are many varieties of osmanthus trees. Southern osmanthus includes bay laurel, silver osmanthus, golden osmanthus, red osmanthus, etc. They prefer warm and humid environments and are suitable for planting south of the Yangtze River. Northern osmanthus, such as camellia osmanthus, osmanthus, and crape myrtle, are very cold-resistant and suitable for North China. For home potted plants, it is recommended to choose cuttings or grafted seedlings with compact plant shape and dense branches and leaves. Compared with seedlings, they can bloom faster.

2. Provide suitable soil and potting soil

Osmanthus trees prefer fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH value of 5.5-6.5. Sandy soil, cake fertilizer, garden soil, and leaf mold can be mixed in a ratio of 3:2:3:2, or garden soil, manure, and river sand can be mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1. When potting, add decomposed organic fertilizer bone meal as base fertilizer, keep the soil in the pot soft and breathable, and loosen the soil and weed regularly.

3. Ensure adequate light and temperature

Osmanthus trees like light and need sufficient diffuse light, especially in the early stages of flowering. It should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated place, provide appropriate shade in summer, and keep warm in winter to avoid frost damage. Southern osmanthus can overwinter in the open field, while northern osmanthus needs to overwinter indoors, and the room temperature should be maintained at 2-4℃.

4. Reasonable watering and fertilization

Watering should follow the principle of "water when dry and water when wet". Water thoroughly after the soil in the pot is completely dry, and avoid frequent and excessive watering. Pay attention to drainage during the rainy season and replenish water during drought. Apply 30% cake fertilizer water every half a month during the growing period, apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the flower bud differentiation period, and apply compound fertilizer after flowering.

5. Timely pruning and pest control

Prune in autumn after flowering, cut off dead branches, thin branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, and keep evenly thick and short branches on the side branches. During the growing season, cut off the suckers in time to avoid excessive consumption of nutrients. Osmanthus trees are susceptible to diseases and pests such as charcoal maggot disease, brown spot disease, sooty mold disease, whiteflies, scale insects and leafhoppers. They should be controlled in a timely manner, either by spraying with drugs or by manual pruning.

In general, the osmanthus tree is not only beautiful and fragrant, but also symbolizes auspiciousness. If you take good care of it, the osmanthus tree will be able to thrive.