Once established, it is an extremely long-lived plant.
They are resistant to most pests and diseases, and they don’t mind heavy pruning.
Fragrant tea olive grows best in moist, well-drained soil, but will readily tolerate even dense clay soils.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Light
Plant fragrant tea olive in full sun.
Offer partial afternoon shade in climates with very hot summers.
These plants prefer an acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0 to 7.5).
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Water
Fragrant tea olive has average watering needs.
Watering established plants is necessary only when there is no weekly rainfall.
Young plants should be regularly watered for the first year or so.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
But it can be damaged if temps fall too quickly from warm conditions to 20 degrees or so.
It is rated as hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
This plant does well in humid regions.
fragransis one of several species within the genus, known collectively as tea olives.
fragrans:
There is also a popular hybrid form,Osmanthus x fortunei,which is a cross betweenO.
heterophyllus,combining the traits of bothtoothed, holly-like leaves as well as fragrant flowers.
Pruning
Osmanthusplants only need pruning if they get too big or develop unattractive or dead branches.
Clip its tips to encourage growth and maintain the desired size.
Make cuts 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a lower branch junction.
Prune at the end of winter before buds appear.
The seed starter mix should be misted frequently to keep it moist.
Keep the potted seedlings growing in warm, bright conditions until spring planting time, May or June.
These plants may struggle if grown indoors all year.
Young shrubs may benefit from a cage of hardware cloth to protect them against gnawing creatures such as rabbits.
Potted tea olives being moved indoors will benefit from a top-dressing of time-release fertilizer to keep them growing.
But with outdoor garden shrubs, withhold feeding for the winter.
Treat by spraying with horticultural oil.
Botryosphaeria canker can affect these plants, especially those that are stressed by drought.
Cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose may occasionally occur.
Phytophthora and Pythium root rots are sometimes seen in poorly drained or excessively wet soil.
In some regions, fall is the principal bloom period.
Another common problem is that fragrant tree olives can drop their leaves unexpectedly.
This most often occurs with potted plants grown indoors, but it’s also possible with outdoor garden plants.
Likely causes of leaf drop:
Yes and no.
The fruits are also quite bitter until they fully ripen, which can take as much as six months.
The nameOsmanthus(in the botanical nameOsmanthus fragrans) comes from the Greek wordsosmemeaning fragrant andanthosmeaning flower.
All species of the Osmanthus genus are fragrant, butO.
fragranshas the most pronounced scent.
Placing it near pathways, patios, or entrances will allow you to readily enjoy its fragrance.
It can also be grown as a potted plant.
Like most members of the olive family,O.
fragransis a long-lived species.
Barring disease or major cultural issues, species can live for many decades.
Some species have both deciduous and evergreen varieties, so do your research before choosing.
North Carolina State Extension.
Tea Olive.Clemson Cooperative Extension.
