Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

(Photo by mmmavocado @ Visual Hunt)

The intoxicating fragrance of Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is one that catches you by surprise as the flowers are inconspicuous. They also come at an unexpected time – autumn (usually September -October). The fragrance is similar to ripe apricots and can scent the air from a great distance. The flowers measure only 1mm and are produced in clusters along the stems and between the leaves.

These evergreen plants bear a resemblance to hollies. You can recognize the difference by looking closely at the leaves – holly leaves are arranged alternately while those of Osmanthus are opposite each other. They can be grown as shrubs and limbed up into small trees. Some varieties (such as ‘San Jose’) can be used for hedges.

Sweet Olive (also known as “Tea Olive”) is easy to grow and is not fussy about soil as long as it is not waterlogged. They perform fine in clay soil. They do well in semi-shady conditions but will also tolerate full sun. Regular watering is encouraged for best performance.

Yard n Garden Land currently has two selections of Osmanthus available –

‘Sweet Osmanthus’ (Osmanthus fragrans) grows from 8 – 10 feet and hardy to around 15 degrees. Five-gallon pots are $39.99.

‘San Jose’ Osmanthus (Osmanthus x fortunei) (pictured below) grows from 15-25 feet with a 8-12 ft. spread and is hardy to 10 degrees. Five-gallon pots are available for $34.99.

Photo by Phillip Oliver