Fragrant Tea Olive Sweet Osmanthus

Osmanthus fragrans

Nature Hills Nursery

Intoxicating Apricot-Peach Fragrance Blooms Twice Yearly on Evergreen Osmanthus Fragrans
Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Zones 7-11
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$67²⁷

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Plant Size

Product variants

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Evergreen, Low Maintenance, Fragrant, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	10-15 ft
Width	6-8 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring, Fall, Winter
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Botanical Name	Osmanthus fragrans
Species	fragrans
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Fragrant Tea Olive - A Super Sweet Osmanthus!

Elevate your garden with the enchanting beauty and delightful aroma of the Fragrant Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans). Known for its glossy broadleaf evergreen foliage and clusters of creamy, sweetly fragrant flowers, this upright shrub or small tree adds year-round interest to your landscape.

Renowned for its intoxicating scent reminiscent of apricots or ripe peaches, the Fragrant Tea Olive, also known as the Sweet Olive, Sweet Osmanthus, or Fragrant Olive, this ornamental is a must-have for gardeners seeking a touch of elegance and sensory delight.

The heavenly scent is described as rich and sweetly fruity like Apricot or Peach. Others think it smells like a gorgeous cross between Gardenia and Jasmine. It's absolutely covered in blooms in early spring, and sporadically through summer with another flush of blooms in fall. The Fragrant Tea Osmanthus can provide color and scent at a time when other plants aren't blooming.

Key Features of the Fragrant Tea Olive Osmanthus

The Fragrant Tea Olive displays a graceful form. With branches that are held strongly erect, the upright growth habit of this shrub easily brings visual energy to your landscape.

Incredible Fragrance: Produces small, delicate blooms with a sweet, fruity scent that perfumes your garden.
Broadleaf Evergreen Foliage: Glossy, deep green leaves provide lush, year-round visual appeal.
Long Blooming Season: Flowers appear from fall to spring, with sporadic blooming in summer.
Versatile Growth Habit: Can be pruned as a dense shrub or allowed to grow into a small tree.
Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and is highly adaptable to different growing conditions.
Fruit For Birds: Tea Olives get their name from the tiny black fruit that you will hardly notice but the birds will.
Edible Flowers: Dry the edible flowers to include in green and black tea mixes. The flowers are used in Sweet Cakes, dumplings, soups, and liquors. The flowers are also found in traditional Chinese medicine.

Whether you're looking to create a fragrant hedge, add a specimen plant, or enjoy its aroma on your patio, this plant is an excellent choice.

Landscaping Uses for Fragrant Tea Olive

The Fragrant Tea Olive is an adaptable and versatile plant that enhances any landscape with its beauty and fragrance:

With dark green, finely toothed, vibrantly glossy leaves held densely from the base to the top, the Fragrant Tea Olive makes a wonderful screening plant or soft hedge. It can be used in many ways, including pruned as a magnificent small tree or as a standalone specimen.

Hedge or Screen: Plant along property lines or fences for privacy and a wall of scent. Use as windbreaks or create a new 'living fence'.
Specimen Plant: Use as a standout focal point in garden beds or lawn areas.
Foundation Planting: Add evergreen charm and seasonal flowers near patios, porches, or windows.
Container Planting: Thrives in large pots, making it ideal for patios or small garden spaces.
Pathway Accent: Line walkways or entryways with aromatic blooms for a welcoming touch.
Versatile Form: Grown as a shrub, or limbed up over time into either a multi-trunked or single-trunked tree.
Ornamental Beauty: An incredible addition to a Zen, Asian, or Meditation Garden.

Planting and Care for the Fragrant Tea Olive

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, Osmanthus performs well in bright light but appreciates some afternoon shade in hotter climates of USDA zones 7 through 11.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish roots, then provide consistent moisture. Drought-tolerant once established.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Pruning: Prune lightly to shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Can be trimmed into formal shapes or left natural.
Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 8–11. Protect from frost in cooler climates or grow in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.

Fragrance Fragrance Fragrance!

The Fragrant Tea Olive combines beauty, fragrance, and versatility into one stunning package. Its intoxicating scent and evergreen foliage make it a standout in any garden, while its low-maintenance nature ensures it thrives with minimal effort.

This is a wonderful plant that easily perfumes your landscape. Once you smell those fabulous flowers, we know you will agree that the Sweet Osmanthus, Fragrant Tea Olive is what you need to perfume your landscape! Now at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Fragrant Tea Olive Sweet Osmanthus suitable for?

Fragrant Tea Olive thrives in USDA zones 8-10, preferring warmer climates where it won't face harsh winter freezes. This broadleaf evergreen needs protection from temperatures below 15°F. Check your local zone before planting to ensure year-round success.

What is the mature size (height and width) of Fragrant Tea Olive at maturity?

Fragrant Tea Olive typically reaches 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity. This versatile shrub can be kept smaller through pruning or allowed to grow into a small tree form. Plan spacing accordingly and shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

What are the care requirements for Fragrant Tea Olive, including watering and fertilizing?

Fragrant Tea Olive is remarkably low-maintenance and thrives with minimal care once established. Water regularly during the first year, then only during dry spells. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring for best flowering performance.

What kind of soil does Fragrant Tea Olive need, and does it tolerate clay or poor drainage?

Fragrant Tea Olive adapts to most well-draining soils but struggles in consistently wet or poorly draining clay. While moderately tolerant of various soil types, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral, well-amended soil. Improve heavy clay by adding compost and ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.

How do I prune Fragrant Tea Olive to keep it as a shrub or train it as a small tree?

Fragrant Tea Olive's upright growth habit makes it easy to shape as either a dense shrub or small tree. For shrub form, prune after spring blooming to maintain desired size and density. To train as a tree, selectively remove lower branches and thin interior growth. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile evergreen.

Is Fragrant Tea Olive deer resistant?

Fragrant Tea Olive is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic foliage and flowers. The strong fragrance that makes this evergreen so appealing to gardeners typically deters deer from browsing. Plant it near more vulnerable plants as a natural barrier.

Can Fragrant Tea Olive be grown in containers or pots on a patio?

Yes, Fragrant Tea Olive grows well in large containers and makes an excellent patio plant. Its upright growth habit and broadleaf evergreen foliage provide year-round structure, while the sweet fragrant blooms will perfume your outdoor space from fall through spring. Use a container at least 20 gallons and ensure good drainage.

What is the shipping time and how are Fragrant Tea Olive plants shipped (bare root or potted)?

Fragrant Tea Olive plants are shipped potted, not bare root, as established shrubs. Shipping typically takes 7-10 business days depending on your location and the season. Order in early spring or fall for best establishment success when temperatures are moderate.