NEW Roundleaf Tea Olive. We found this plant in Japan in November 2009. The nurseryman from whom it was acquired said that it was a compact form. The foliage seems to be more robust and thicker than the old 'Rotundifolius' as well as having a deeper gloss with more "wavy" margins, but the overall plant does not seem to be so compact as it is stocky and sturdy. Initially it has taken on a more upright growth habit. The leaves have a mostly smooth margins and lacks the "prickly" margins of the species. Since the form of this cultivar will have to be watched, as we grow it off, we will be able to evaluate it better. The species of Osmanthus heterophyllus is the most cold hardy of all the commonly grown species of Osmanthus, going well into zone 6, but some have reported that the cultivar 'Rotundifolius' is not as cold hardy, probably a zone 7 hardiness. We have had no damage on any of these even when outside in containers with temperatures of 7°F. I am hoping that since it is more robust, that it might even be more cold hardy than 'Rotundifolius.' It has the same white fragrant fall flowers of the species, but the fragrance is somewhat unique, and it is apparent from the flowers that it is obviously a male selection. Some of our 2 quart plants have flowered rather heavily, but as long as one's plant is putting on appreciable new growth, it won't set flower buds. It has the same deer resistance as others in this genus.
Zones 6-9
