NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to If you are thinking of getting this plant, it is worth the try. It’s not surprising that the tea olive tree (Osmanthus fragrans) has long been a favorite of gardeners and landscapers, with its beautiful fragrant flowers and notable hardiness.The tree can bloom several times a year, its white flowers filling the air with a distinctive, peach- or orange-like scent. Osmanthus fragrans is also known as tea olive or sweet olive. [1] [2 Also called fragrant osmanthus or sweet olive, tea olive (Osmanthus fragrans) produces tiny, easily overlooked white or orange blossoms that release an intense but pleasant apricot fragrance. It has less foliage and much more inflorescence than the "typical" orange tea olive. It is at least 10 ft tall and the foliage is very dense, unlike my other tea olives. Fragrant princess dwarf tea olive osmanthus 'kaori hime' this has to be one of the most incredible new introductions of this species in recent memory. Osmanthus fragrans (Sweet Osmanthus, fragrant Tea olive) Sweet Tea Olive is large evergreen shrub or small tree is capable of reaching 6-8 m in height and width but is most often seen at 3-4 m high with a 2 m spread. It is planted in full sun on the south side of the house, and, based on other posts I've read, I hope to see flowers this coming fall. Tiny flower clusters have a delightful apricot-like fragrance. It is getting afternoon sun and I think it is getting enough, but maybe not. DESCRIPTION: Native to Asia, this gently scented flowering shrub has an upright growth habit and large evergreen foliage; clusters of tiny creamy-gold flowers. Sort of a mix of Apricot and Jasmine! Virtually pest free, these dense bushes require little care and are easy to propagate from sweet olive cuttings. Common names include tea olive, although it isn’t a member of the olive family, and false holly for its spiny, holly-like leaves. Osmanthus Fragrans, better known as the Fragrant Tea Olive, produces small white blooms that pack a punch. Osmanthus fragrans leaf and flower detail, 'Thunbergii' Flower and Leaf (Duke Garden). Width is similar to height. For more information about sweet olive tree propagation, read on. Not just because of the sublime fragrance: he's "grandfathered" in since I planted him before I converted exclusively (almost) to North American native plants. So I'm not sure if it is just too cold for it (and flowering buds are getting killed) or if I just need to be more patient? You can literally smell it in the air all around the city. I'm going to try to start a few cuttings so I can plant elsewhere. On Oct 13, 2010, Pianokey56 from Fort Mill, SC wrote: I think I have a new hybrid version of osmanthus fragrans aurantiacus (orange tea). Was expecting … Zones LS, CS, TS; USDA 8-11. I grew it for several years in my Z 7a Virginia garden, where it sulked and remained quite small - but it did survive. Tea Olives, often called "sweet olive" and scientifically known as Osmanthus, are exceptionally easy to grow and care for when planted right and in the right spot.They grow well in any average, well-drained, moist soil. 21 members have or want this plant for trade. On Oct 3, 2011, overthere from Tokyo,Japan wrote: I live in Tokyo and I have just learned that the aroma of the Fragrant Tea Olive is synonymous with autumn here. Fact or fiction, I don't know. On May 27, 2013, RonDEZone7a from Wilmington, DE (Zone 7a) wrote: I am in Zone 7a northern Delaware and I have had an Osmanthus fragrans 'Aurantiacus' for several years. Height varies from 6 to 30 feet tall depending on species and cultivar. long; finely dentate or entire. If he ever comes in late or slack with that incredible fragrance, however, he's in jeopardy: I could replace him with a native osmanthus or cyrilla in a minute! Osmanthus fragrans - Sweet Olive Sweet Olive is a rounded evergreen shrub with delicate and fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring against glossy green foliage. I brought it home to Southeastern Oklahoma hoping it would grow, since our friends in Alexandria had one and I wanted one too. Uses. Was expecting a lot more in the way of flowering. Some describe it as a rose scent, others as gardenia and still others as jasmine. tall, 810 feet wide (though older plants may reach 30 feet tall, 1215 feet wide). The bi-color effe... read morect makes an interesing effect even when the plant is not blooming. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours), Very fragrant, small white flowers in fall; some flowers in early spring, Opposite, simple, leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves; 2-5 in. On Sep 8, 2009, inducer93 from Cookeville, TN wrote: I grew up in Shreveport, La. N.C. Wonderful. Osmanthus fragrans, commonly called fragrant olive, sweet olive or sweet tea, produces clusters of not particularly showy flowers that have an extremely powerful apricot fragrance. Osmanthus fragrans 'Fudingzhu' (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful fragrance of its flowers. I never knew where this odor came from until a friend in Shreveport gave me a small sweet olive as a gift. It has occasionally had some cold damage - mostly just bronzed leaves - but overall it is putting on size. It's tea olive, the glossy-leaved shrub known by the scientific name Osmanthus fragrans. Osmanthus fragrans is a shrub or small tree recognized more by its fragrance than its appearance. The fragrance at its peak bloom time is overwhelming. Tea olive, a plant of the genus Osmanthus in the family Oleaceae, often grown for its fragrant flowers and shining, evergreen foliage.There are about 15 species, native to eastern North America, Mexico, southeastern Asia, Hawaii, and New Caledonia. On a warm day its fragrance fills the yard. Just one plant can fill … PLANTING: Plant in well drained soil in a full sun to partly shaded position in the garden. It is now 6 feet tall. On Dec 5, 2009, FT from Tigard, OR (Zone 8a) wrote: This shrub, after it gets about 5' tall, and in full sun, blooms beautifully in October. ct makes an interesing effect even when the plant is not blooming. Evergreen sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is so named because it belongs to the same family, Oleaceae, as olive trees (Olea europaea). Mine is about 8-10 ft high. :). When I moved to South Carolina I brought it along and it has thrived here. If he ever comes in late or slack with that incredible fragrance, however, he's in jeopardy: I could replace him with a native osmanthus or cyrilla in a minute! Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Color of new leaves is light green deeping to a nice medium green. Extracts from the flower are highly valuable, and are used in some of the most expensive perfumes. Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is an evergreen with delightfully fragrant blossoms and dark shiny leaves. When established, Tea olive are exceptionally drought tolerant. Sweet olive, or sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), a 10-metre (33-foot) tree, produces an edible fruit. (The happiest one I have grows at the base of a downspout) Mine have responded very well to applications of an acid organic fetilizer starting in early spring. On Dec 2, 2012, gardenspecialist from MacAlester, OK wrote: I just love this plant when it is in full bloom. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It is frost sensitive and injury will affect flowering the following fall. Fragrant Tea Olive has opposite, shiny, dark green toothed or smooth leaves, and both types can be present on the plant at the same time. I wasn't sure it could survive here but it has lived for close to 10 years, in a sheltered spot against my house. When it's in bloom, everyone in the area knows it, even if you can't really see the flowers unless you're standing beside the shrub/tree. Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and slightly salt tolerant. Not just because of the sublime fragrance: he's "grandfathered" in since I planted him before I converted exclusively (almost) to North American native plants. Sku #6315. It now has 1.5-2 inch diameter base and is currently in full bloom throughout its eight foot height. On Feb 7, 2013, JoannCooper from Bluffton, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: I bought this plant some years ago from a nursery that I know and trust, so I'm sure it's aurantiacus - however it still has not bloomed so I can't be sure. the leaves are … Since I got it and planted it in our shale ground it has shot up and is in the stages of growing taller than our house. Suited to hedging and topiary. Sweet Olive grows beautifully in Mississippi (U.S.) I was "told" that once a plant reaches 50 years old, it will start producing olives. The flowers of this plant are used in teas and other beverages that are consumed in the Far East. sweet olive, tea olive osmanthus fragrans. I live in middle Tennessee with a climate zone of @ 6a. These unusually scented flowers come on in late winter, signaling the beginning … form a strategic partnership called N.C. Extracts from the flower are highly valuable, and are used in some of the most expensive perfumes. Sweet olive and tea olive are two common names for Osmanthus fragrans, an evergreen species of tree grown for its fragrant flowers and glossy … How can such small orange flowers put out such a massive scent? One of the most wonderfully powerful fragrances I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions: On Jul 6, 2016, sueroderus from Bluffton, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: For whatever reason this Osmanthus has never bloomed very much for me in zone 8b coastal SC. The plant has thrived, much to my delight! Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Broad, dense, compact. Tea Olive trees (also known as sweet olive, sweet osmanthus, and fragrant olive) are technically an evergreen shrub. Gardeners use tea olive as a broadleaf evergreen hedge or screen in … It can attain heights to 20' but is usually seen in the 6' range. Tea Olive or Sweet Olive, scientifically known as Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus aurantiacus, are perhaps the most fragrant shrubs and trees on the planet...in our gardens for sure. The least cold-hardy osmanthus; very fragrant flowers in the fall; dense habit; responds well to pruning for shape; large specimen for open areas. y few "aliens" into my yard/garden...this is one of the exceptions. Fancy that! Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater. I allow ver... read morey few "aliens" into my yard/garden...this is one of the exceptions. Read on to learn about growing Osmanthus plants. Although the blooms aren't big and showy, their enchanting sweet fragrance makes up for what they lack in size. This species belongs to the genus Osmanthus. Smaller leafed cultivars of holly tea olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus), Fortune’s tea olive (O. x fortunei) and Delavay tea olive (O. delavayi) make good hedges and can be maintained as low as 4 feet tall. Tea olives are often marketed as "drought tolerant", but I have found that they do better with rich soil and plenty of moisture when young. I bought this plant about 4 years ago in a 1 gallon in Alexandria, LA. Grows at a moderate rate to 15ft. The flowers of this plant are used in teas and other beverages that are consumed in the Far East. Sweet Osmanthus Osmanthus fragrans. :), This is my second Christmas with my poinsettia, which ... read more, They look to prefer evergreens. Osmanthus fragrans is a popular landscape shrub in many southern gardens. I hope to someday fill the meadow here with the sweetness of this plant. It’s regionally native to China, The Himalayas, Taiwan, and it has definitely embedded itself in their culture and there’s a very good reason why this flower (or herb) is so popular. A large evergreen shrub or small tree with a broad upright form that is densely branched and covered with finely toothed, dark green foliage. I am going to try to upload a picture of it. She told me of the frequent blooming and wonderful odor of this plant . The shiny, medium-green leaves have paler undersides and are joined Sweet Olive, Fragrant Tea Olive, Orange Sweet Olive, Japanese Orange Osmanthus, Osmanthus fragrans v. aurantiacus, Osmanthus fragrans aurantiacus Previous Next Quite hardy, Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful apricot fragrance of its flowers. In three years it has gone from a scrawny 12 inches tall to a beautiful, full, 5 foot tall shrub. I do prune it to keep it from getting too wide, but I don't try to control the height. No supplemental watering period, ever. Unfortunately, it hasn't flowered yet. Blooming profusely from fall to spring, the large clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers cover this densely branched shrub. I planted the small plant close to my home in direct sunlight. It … If it grows it will be well worth it. Their flowers might be small but they sure pack a fragrant punch in the landscape. They have glossy evergreen leaves and their clusters of small white flowers are heavily fragrant, well-loved for their heady floral perfume. Propagating Sweet Olive Trees ( nurseries caroliniana ) "we found this cultivar in Japan in November, 2009 & the parent plant was in full flower". It is at least 10 ft tall and the foliage is very dense, unlike my other tea olives. The blooms are rather inconspicuous but they are extremely fragrant! With a big feeder ... read more, Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Davesgarden.com. Osmanthus fragrans, or Sweet Olive (Tea Olive), belongs to Olive Family (Oleaceae) along with numerous jasmines.It is evergreen tree or shrub with a moderate growth rate, native to China. Long a favorite of Southern gardeners. I've pruned it a couple of times and it has gotten alot fuller. The foliage is a bit different from standard tea olive, larger with an attractive serated edge. Osmanthus fragrans - fragrant tea olive . I immediately recognized the story as the smell from my childhood. The rest of the year...it's just an evergreen foundation plant, anchoring a corner of my house. Commonly, you can call the plant tea olive or sweet olive, as both names nod to the sweet scent emitted by the plant's tiny white blooms. USES: Very versatile slow growing shrub. Absolutely bullet proof: no problems of any kind and no drought or winter has changed its appearance or hardiness an iota. building were the same plant! Throughout my youth I recall the sweet odor of this plant in several seasons, most notably in the fall. I guess it's the warmer temperatures from Lake Eufaula (which I am next to) that keeps the freezes from damaging it. Osmanthus Fragrans - Tea Olive Tea Olive, also called Sweet Olive, is a large evergreen shrub that will make a beautiful and fragrant addition to your yard or garden area. Kinmokusei, is the Japanese name for this plant and after being told about Japan's affinity for it, I found that the hedges outside my apt. Positive: On Apr 19, 2003, 147852369 from Brooksville, FL wrote: The Tea Olive does very well here in Brooksville, Florida (U.S.) Neutral Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. El olivo fragante, olivo dulce u osmanto oloroso (Osmanthus fragrans en chino, 桂花; pinyin, guìhuā; Japonés: 金木犀 kinmokusei) es una especie de arbusto de la familia Oleaceae nativo de Asia, que se encuentra desde el Himalaya hasta China (Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan), Taiwán y el sur del Japón. It has glossy dark green leaves 2"x-4" with toothed edges and small 0.5" flowers usually hidden by foliage, with a strong apricot-like fragrance that can be smelled from a distance. Native to China, Japan, Himalayas. The shrub blooms recurrent white flowers but is better known for the soothing aroma emitted into the air -- … On Sep 25, 2008, SageOne from Birmingham, AL (Zone 7b) wrote: Mine is blooming now. How to Grow Sweet Olive in a Container. Year in and out, always incredible. I also have pictures of a "normal" orange tea and a fudingzhu tea olive and this looks very much like a fudingzhu tea with orange flowers.