Osmanthus yunnanensis

Like no other in the genus, this is a magnificent, large, evergreen shrub (or small tree given half a century), with impressive long, dark, olive-green leaves, either bristle edged or entire, emerging rich purple in spring. The numerous small clusters of ivory-white, sweetly fragrant flowers are produced as early as Feb/March and smell of vanilla/playdough. Suited to most soils and sites. Very hardy.