I wonder if anyone reading this has had experience with
Osmanthus fragrans in U.S. zone 8. The books I'm consulting
say it is hardy into zone 7 and that it can be damaged by
temperatures lower than 0F (-18C).

However, here in zone 8, ours is badly affected nearly every
winter and spring by temperatures rarely below 20F (-7C), and
never lower than 12F (-11C). Annually, it suffers extensive
twig and leaf damage. It's unsightly, and what is worse, we
scarcely get any flowers.

I am planning to remove it. Is it possible that another
specimen would do better in this spot? (It would have to be
the species, as no local nurseries have named cultivars.) Or
should I give up on this entirely?

By the way, O. x fortunei is doing quite well, nearby.


Mike Prager
On the North Carolina coast - Zone 8a
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