Osmanthus fragrans and Michelia figo

[mehitabel]

I had these several years ago, before orchids. And I missed the lovely scent. So I broke down and ordered them. They came today-- the minute I opened the box I got the scent of the Osmanthus, from just a couple of tiny flowers. And the figo has fat buds on it. Spring is here so they'll be okay outside, and I'll find somewhere to winter them.

Anyone else growing these or other fragrants?

[syndywindy]

These are shrubs aren't they? Doesn't the osmanthus get to be fairly large? Are you planning on potting them or planting them in the ground? I believe they are considered tropicals if I remember correctly. I may be wrong tho. Will they be hardy in winter for your area?

[rcb]

Mehitabel, I've been eyeing the Michelia figo myself for a while, but haven't ordered it. Let us know how it does please.

Only other tropical fragrants I grow are Hoyas.

[koshki]

Pics? Pics??

[mehitabel]

Originally Posted by rcb

Mehitabel, I've been eyeing the Michelia figo myself for a while, but haven't ordered it. Let us know how it does please. Only other tropical fragrants I grow are Hoyas.

rcb, the scent is beautiful. I had it before, out on my driveway (this was 6 years or so ago). My neighbor's daughter-in-law came by to tell me she had been tracking the scent which was wafting across the two driveways, and had to know what it was and where to buy it.

They call it "banana shrub", and I guess the scent is sort of banana, but much more complex and richer to my nose. Also, I bought the new variety called 'skinnerii', which has a scent that lasts longer in the day and that blooms almost non stop. You can get it from Logee's in a small size or from NurCar (Nurseries Carolinianas) in a gallon size.

You won't regret it! It's a lovely, lovely scent.

koshki, I don't have a camera, and no time right now to get one, because we're doing some renovations on the house. My house has been a Rubik's cube for three weeks (furniture being moved from room to room) But soon, soon, I hope. Mayres gave me some information on how to find a good camera, so when time allows...

syndy, no they are only hardy to a little below 20, so they have to live in a pot. And yes, they are shrubs and they get pretty big, 2 or 3 feet tall in a big pot. But these two were my favorites out of many fragrant tropicals, and worth keeping over the winter (somehow).

I would dearly love to live further south and have them in my yard.