Fragrant Tea Olive
Osmanthus fragrans
Description
Subtle, elegant, and unforgettable—Fragrant Tea Olive is best known for its incredible scent. Tiny white flowers may be small, but their sweet, apricot-like fragrance fills the air in both fall and spring, making this evergreen shrub (or small tree) a true sensory experience.
With dense, olive-green foliage and a naturally upright form, Osmanthus fragrans works beautifully as a privacy screen, hedge, or specimen plant. It’s a classic Southern favorite that delivers year-round structure with seasonal bursts of fragrance.
Care Tips
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Light: Full sun to part sun
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Water: Average; water regularly until established
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Soil: Prefers well-drained soils
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Maintenance: Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape if needed
Landscape Uses
- Excellent for privacy screens and hedges
- Beautiful as a fragrant specimen tree
- Perfect near entryways, patios, or walkways where fragrance can be enjoyed
- Adds structure to foundation plantings
Plant Details
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Mature Size: Up to 25 ft tall x 15 ft wide
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
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Bloom Time: Fall and Spring
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Flower Color: Small white blooms
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Foliage: Evergreen, deep olive green
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Hardiness Zones: 7–9
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Growth Rate: Moderate
Garden Value
- Highly fragrant blooms—one of the best scented shrubs available
- Evergreen for year-round privacy and structure
- Low-maintenance and long-lived
Why We Love It
It’s all about the fragrance. Fragrant Tea Olive quietly transforms your garden into a sensory experience—especially when planted near a doorway or outdoor seating area. One bloom, and you’ll understand the hype.
