I never have any issue with soils being hydrophobic overall, except when I get a crusty build-up on the soil surface from using organic fertilizers (fish emulsion). I usually then just scrape it off or break it up. Sometimes the gritty soil will dry down so much that the bark particles will become hydrophobic, but the soil as a whole never does. The reason it doesn't is that Turface and the crushed granite seem to always be willing to hold water - Turface internally and on it's extensive surface, and the granite surface quickly becomes coated with water as I water. Then, even if the bark is very dry and hydrophobic, water moves into it over time by diffusion. Yes, it robs water from the Turface and granite components, but soon after watering a very dry soil (10-15 min) the soil becomes rather evenly moist. If I then wish to maximize water retention, I would simply water again. The pine bark will have lost its tendency toward hydrophobia and the Turface/granite would again be willing to absorb the water they have given up to the bark by diffusion.

Short version: A) Don't let your soils dry down so much. Soils FEEL dry at around 40% water content, but hydrophobia in peat and pine bark occurs when the soil is just above 30% water content, or B) Water twice. The first watering will add enough water so the 'hydrophobic lock' on certain soil components is overcome & the second watering will 'top-off' the soil's water retention.

I really like the fragrance of the Osmanthus. I hope it does well for you. Any time is ok for established plants with rootballs intact. For bare-root, if you don't have a greenhouse or bright humid sunroom, I think the best shipping time would be in spring, as soon as there is no danger of the plant freezing in transit. Fall would be ok if you have a greenhouse because it favors quick establishment, but if you're overwintering it as a houseplant, I'd be inclined to wait.

Al

Al, I am sorry, but I have to say that you are a very brilliant man!! I was wondering how you were going to answer this question. My soil dried out fast too, and it never occured to me to just rewater right after the first time....dir. Bad me
Thanks for the time you spend for us.
By the way I, I love the smell of Osmanthus too, but I have to say, I don't have a room cool enough that has south facing windows to grow one. It has to go in my very warm room, in which it is too warm for it to have flowers that last long enough to smell them. They do much better in a much colder enviroment to get great flowers.
Take care! ;-)
P.S. Your soil is the best thing that ever happened to me and all my friends...The gritty mix. Thanks so much! havn't lost a ONE plant to rot or overwatering ever since I met you!! Nor have I lost one to underwatering either.

Thankyou yellowthumb for asking this. I too love this mix. This will be the second winter for my Osmanthus. My polyanthum jasmine is growing gang busters in the mix. Once in a while when I get a warm day in winter I take my containers outside and give them a good watering,flushing out any salts. I need to get some more turface! Thanks Al! filix.

Thanks Al for the suggestion, that's really helpful. I guess I could water a little bit more freely, I am always on the caution side, probably waited too long and the medium became too dry.

You guys are too kind. ;o)

Al