Osmanthus Fragrans Fragrant Tea Olive #10
$99.99
Tea Olive #10 ·
This is the heavy hitter of the fragrance world: the Fragrant Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans). If you ask some of us here at the nursery what our favorite scent is, this is often the answer. It doesn’t smell like a typical flower; it smells like ripe apricots, peaches, or orange blossoms.
While the Tea Olive is a Southern classic, we are technically at the northern edge of where it loves to live (Zone 7b/8a). In the Mount Airy and King area, it performs beautifully, but it appreciates a "warm coat." We suggest planting it near a brick foundation or a south-facing wall to protect it from those random deep freezes we get in January. It absolutely loves our long, warm autumns -- that is its prime time to shine.
Why We Recommend It:
Aromatherapy for Free: We aren't exaggerating about the scent. One large shrub can perfume an entire front porch or patio area. It’s sweet, fruity, and carries on the breeze without being overwhelming.
The "Cool Season" Surprise: Most fragrant flowering plants show off in May and June. The Tea Olive waits for the weather you actually enjoy. It blooms most heavily in the Spring and the Fall. In mild winters, it might even bloom straight through December.
Evergreen Privacy: Beyond the smell, this is a hardworking shrub. It keeps its deep, glossy green leaves year-round.
It grows tall and upright, making it perfect for blocking out a street view or a neighbor’s driveway while looking elegant 365 days a year.
Best Used For:
Planting near entryways, windows, or patios (where you can smell it!).
Tall privacy screens.
Specimen plants in a sheltered corner.
The Specs:
Growth Rate: Medium (roughly 12+ inches per year once established).
Mature Size: Can get big—10 to 20 ft tall x 8 to 12 ft wide (but takes pruning well).
Sun/Soil: Sun to Part Shade. Loves moist, well-drained soil (doesn't like "wet feet").
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