Fragrant Tea Olive (osmanthus)

Osmanthus Fragrans

( sweet tea olive ) or ( fragrant tea olive )

Blossoms of the hardy tea olive are visually inconsequential, but their impact can be significant. The strong fragrance can be smelled from several hundred feet away. Tiny white flowers bloom in clusters along the stems. Leaves are dark, glossy green, arranged oppositely on the stem, and may be finely toothed or smooth. Sweet olive blooms during the cool season. Expect it to bloom in late fall and again in early spring. Sweet olive does best in fertile,moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil. Sunlight or partial shade suits it well. 

Other common names: Sweet osmanthus, tea olive, hardy tea olive

Mature Height : 10-15 feet

Mature Width : 8-10 feet

Exposure : Sun to partial shade

Hardiness Zones : 7-9