Fragrant Tea Olive: A Guide to Growing and Care
Botanical Description
Osmanthus fragrans, commonly known as fragrant tea olive, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Asia. Its botanical name reflects its fragrant flowers: “osme” (Greek for fragrant) and “anthos” (Greek for flower).
Features and Cultivation
Fragrant tea olive is known for its aromatic white flowers that bloom in spring and sometimes again in fall. It has elongated, dark green leaves and a dense, multi-stemmed growth habit. It prefers well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and acidic to neutral pH levels.
Planting and Growing Conditions
- Plant fragrant tea olive in fall to allow for root development over winter.
- Choose a location with plenty of sunlight but consider afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Prune as needed to control size or shape, but avoid excessive pruning which can inhibit flowering.
- Prune after the main flowering period is over, but before spring growth begins.
Propagation
- Propagate fragrant tea olive through stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a sandy rooting medium.
- Keep cuttings moist and provide bright, indirect sunlight.
Uses in Landscaping
- Use fragrant tea olive as a specimen plant, hedge, screen, or backdrop in perennial borders.
- Place it near pathways or entrances to enjoy its fragrance.
- It can also be grown as a potted plant.
Common Varieties
- Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus: Orange-flowering form
- Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii: Yellow-flowering form
- Osmanthus fragrans va. semperflorens: Extremely hardy form with continuous flowers
- ‘Apricot Gold’: Apricot-gold flowers
- ‘Butter Yellow’: Bright yellow flowers
Other Osmanthus Species
- Osmanthus americanus: Native to the southeastern United States, tolerates salt spray
- Osmanthus heterophyllus: Known as “false holly” due to its glossy, pointed leaves
- Osmanthus x fortunei: A hybrid cross between O. fragrans and O. heterophyllus, combining fragrant flowers with holly-like leaves
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Scale and aphids: Treat with horticultural oil.
- Botryosphaeria canker: Remove affected branches.
- Leaf drop: Ensure adequate watering, avoid extreme temperature swings, and provide sufficient light.
Other Considerations
- Fragrant tea olive fruits are not commonly consumed but can be used to infuse teas and jams.
- It is a long-lived species that can survive for decades.
- Other broadleaf evergreen shrubs for southern gardens include boxwood, holly, and rhododendron.
Long-Tail Keywords:
- How to grow and care for fragrant tea olive trees: Provides comprehensive instructions for cultivation.
- Tips for planting and maintaining fragrant tea olives: Offers specific advice for optimal growth.
- Fragrant tea olive as a hedge or screen plant: Explores its use for privacy and aesthetics.
- The difference between fragrant tea olive and other osmanthus species: Compares and contrasts different varieties.
- Troubleshooting common problems with fragrant tea olives: Addresses potential issues and their solutions.