SWEET scented osmanthus is in full bloom in the city, and the fragrance of the sweet-smelling plant should linger for about a week to 10 days, botanical experts said yesterday.

This year's osmanthus has bloomed later than any year for a decade because high temperatures delayed the flowering, said Wang Yuqin, an expert at the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

The white and pale yellow blooms usually blossom in the city around mid-September, with the National Day holiday usually the latest time they flower.