Fragrant Tea Olive

Sweet Osmanthus

Fragrant Tea Olive, also known as Osmanthus fragrans, is a refined evergreen shrub cherished for its powerful yet pleasant fragrance. Though its small white flowers are modest in appearance, they release a rich apricot or peach-like scent that can fill an entire garden. Blooming primarily in fall and often again in spring, this plant offers seasonal bursts of fragrance when few others do. Its dense, glossy green foliage provides year-round structure, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or standalone specimens.

Highly adaptable and long-lived, Fragrant Tea Olive thrives in a range of garden styles, from formal landscapes to relaxed, natural plantings. It grows at a moderate pace and can be easily shaped, allowing gardeners to maintain a neat appearance or let it develop into a soft, rounded form. Once established, it is remarkably low-maintenance and tolerant of heat, humidity, and light shade. Its combination of beauty, fragrance, and resilience makes it a favorite for adding sensory appeal near patios, walkways, and entrances.

Care Instructions

Planting:
Plant in full sun to partial shade, preferably where fragrance can be enjoyed. Allow space for mature growth.

Watering:
Water regularly during the first year. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant.

Pruning:
Prune after flowering to maintain shape or size. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season.

Pest Control:
Generally pest-resistant. Watch for scale insects and treat with horticultural oil if needed.

Soil Tips:
Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid poorly drained sites.