shrub RHS Award

Fragrant Tea Olive

Name: Fragrant Tea Olive
Brand: Osmanthus
Availability: InStock

Osmanthus fragrans

$67.27

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Very long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Osmanthus fragrans is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its leathery, dark green leaves and exceptionally fragrant flowers. The tiny blossoms produce a powerful, sweet scent reminiscent of apricots or peaches. Its most distinctive feature is the intensely fragrant flowers that, while small and inconspicuous, can perfume an entire garden. It blooms heaviest in the fall but can flower sporadically throughout the year in mild climates.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature of the Fragrant Tea Olive is its powerful, delightful fragrance that fills the garden in autumn. Its handsome, dark green evergreen foliage provides a lush backdrop and year-round structure, making it a versatile and highly desirable landscape shrub.

It can be pruned into a dense formal hedge, used as a privacy screen, or trained into a small tree. Its tolerance for pruning makes it adaptable to various garden sizes and styles. In Asia, the flowers are famously used to flavor teas, wines, and sweets.

The fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees, even late in the season. The dense evergreen structure provides valuable shelter and cover for birds and other small wildlife throughout the year, especially during winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$67.27

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun or part shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch with 2 inches of organic material, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant near a window, door, or patio where its incredible fragrance can be enjoyed. It blooms best with more sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide regular water until the plant is well-established.
Plant in slightly acidic soil for best results.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense shape.
Protect from harsh winter winds in the northern end of its range.

Don't

Don't plant in soggy, poorly drained soil.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering.
Don't let the plant dry out completely, especially when young.
Avoid planting in highly alkaline soils, which can cause nutrient deficiencies.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Intensely fragrant hedge near patiosEvergreen foundation plantingSpecimen for sensory gardens

Companion Plants

Camellia sasanqua Gardenia jasminoides Loropetalum chinense Mahonia bealei Aspidistra elatior

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fragrant Tea Olive questions

What zones can Fragrant Tea Olive grow in?

Fragrant Tea Olive is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fragrant Tea Olive deer resistant?

Yes — Fragrant Tea Olive is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fragrant Tea Olive bloom?

Fragrant Tea Olive typically blooms in early fall through late winter. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fragrant Tea Olive need full sun?

Fragrant Tea Olive does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fragrant Tea Olive drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fragrant Tea Olive handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.