Subangulatus Tea Olive. I found this plant in Japan in November 2009, and I could not find a cultivar name for it at the time. It could be that it was so new that a name had yet to be given to it. But we have recently been informed by Professor Micanori Ogisu that the correct cultivar name now is 'Subangulatus'. 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. Since the form of this cultivar will have to be watched, but for us it is a very fastigate (upright) habit of growth. 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 I might even be more cold hardy than 'Rotundifolius.' It has the same white fragrant fall flowers of the species. For information on growing Osmanthus outside of its hardiness zones, see Osmanthus (A guide for Growing Osmanthus in Containers) at the top of this page. If you plan to plant in a questionable climatic zone, please read the information on plant replacement guarantee found on the home page under "Ordering Information" Mail order guarantee. For a more complete explanation of various Osmanthus cultivars see "Garden Tips" on the Web home page.
