Tea Olive (Fragrant Osmanthus) is a large shrub or small tree that produces an abundance of strongly fragrant, tiny white flowers. One shrub will fill the backyard with a powerful and exquisite scent of perfume. The flowers are produced from late Winter through the entire Spring, and again in Fall through early Winter. Can grow to 20' tall however is usually seen at 8 to 12' in landscapes. Plant near windows and outdoor living areas where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Easy to grow in most any well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade.

Height: 10' to 15' Characteristics: Foliage, Fragrance Fragrances: Fragrant Flowers Growth Rate: Fast Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Mostly Sun, Partial Shade, Morning Sun, Afternoon Sun Foliage Color: Green Seasons of Bloom: Spring Blooms, Fall Blooms Type: Shrub, Tree, Evergreen Theme Gardens: Cottage, Japanese

Spread: 6' to 8' Landscape Usages: Landscape Beds, Foundation, Outdoor Living Areas, Garden Pond, Background, Focal Point Specimen, Hedges, Entryway, Espalier, Shrub Border, Buffer / Screens, Topiary, Tree Form Shrub Colors: White Resistant To: Deer Resistant, Heat, Disease, Drought, Insect Soil Needs: Ammended Clay, Average, Well-Drained, Sandy Water Needs: Low USDA Zones: 10, 8, 9

Tea Olive (Fragrant Osmanthus) Feeding Instructions

Fertilize this Spring-flowering evergreen shrub after it blooms in Spring, and again in late Summer/early Fall. Fertilize with a well-balanced tree and shrub fertilizer or an organic plant food. When in dought as to how much fertilizer to apply, follow instructions on the product label.

Tea Olive (Fragrant Osmanthus) Pruning Instructions

This evergreen Spring-flowering shrub requires no pruning. However, during any time of year it is okay to remove stray or broken branches, or shear to maintain a neater appearance, or remove spent flowers or encourage another flush of blooms. Hard pruning, to reduce the size of the shrub, should be performed in late Winter; before new foliage has emerged. This shrub may also be limbed up into a small tree by removing lower branches that would not seriously effect the shape of the canopy. Hand-pruning, with sharp hand pruners, is recommended. Pruning with electric or gas-powered hedge trimmers can cause unsightly scarring of leaves.

Tea Olive (Fragrant Osmanthus) Pest Instructions

This plant typically encounters very few pest or disease problems. If a pest or disease problem is identified, treat with an insecticide product, preferably one containing "Neem oil". Neem oil is a safe, triple-action product that can be used to control insects, mites and diseases. If your plant appears seriously stressed or diseased, consult with your local nurseryman, arborist, professional landscaper or local extension agent.