Osmanthus (Tea Olive)

Osmanthus spp.

Osmanthus is grown for its intoxicating fragrance — tiny flowers pack a perfume punch that carries 20+ feet on autumn breezes. Glossy evergreen foliage resembles holly. One of the most underused landscape shrubs, prized by those who know it. 'Fragrant Tea Olive' (O. fragrans) is the most fragrant species.

Hardiness Zones

7-10

Sunlight

Partial Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

6-15 ft H × 6-10 ft W

Growth Rate

Slow

Bloom Season

Fall (September-November)

Bloom Color

White, cream, orange (tiny but intensely fragrant)

Care Guide

Partial sun to full sun. Well-drained soil. Very low maintenance once established. Prune after flowering if needed. Slow-growing but long-lived. Makes an excellent informal hedge without heavy shearing.