Osmanthus Fragrans (Fragrant Tea Olive)

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen shrub for zones 7-9. In spring and again in autumn, this shrub is highly fragrant. For weeks now, our osmanthus have been blooming heavily. We have at least twelve of these shrubs! Needless to say, we have a fondness for this shrub. We planted osmanthus at a previous house as well.

Osmanthus fragrans can grow 10-20 feet high and 8-12 feet wide. With a medium growth rate, it is easy to keep these shrubs pruned, if necessary to fit the space. While they are drought tolerant, they also do well during periods of heavy rain. This is a deer resistant shrub.

These evergreens work well in a mixed border or for privacy screening. The dark green foliage may have reddish orange tints on the tips of new growth. Since osmanthus fragrans works well in full sun or partial shade with acidic soil, it can make a nice backdrop companion for perennial gardens and acid-loving flowering shrubs such as azaleas/rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias.