The Osmanthus Or Tea Olive Is A Wonderful Small Evergreen Tree

The Osmanthus or Tea Olive is probably one of my favorite small trees. Growing up in the northeast and living in different parts of the country, it wasn't until I moved to the southeastern United States that I was introduced to this beautiful ornamental tree. It is also a favorite with many of my clients. One great feature this tree provides is not only leaves that retain their color year around, but tiny delicate white flowers that bloom throughout the year.

Tiny White Flowers

The Tea Olive is native in Asia, especially in the countries of Japan and China. In China the flowers are infused to make black and green tea. The flowers are also used in culinary dishes such as soups, and different sauces with dumplings. The Chinese are known for their Osmanthus jelly. In Japan the Tea Olive is used in many Yen gardens as well as along bamboo fences. This eloquent tree is also planted in many ornamental gardens in a variety of other geographical locations. In the United States the Osmanthus grows well in zones seven through ten. I have designed this large shrub in a variety of gardens and landscaped areas. The Osmanthus can be a great accent in many examples of landscape designs. One of the favorite spots to incorporate this tree is near a window, door, patio or deck. The white flowers have an smell that is sweet and resembles the scent of an apricot. Walking by the branches and shaking them, gives you a full gust of their aroma. The Tea Olive is a slow to fast grower, depending on your climate zone. In zone seven in the United States, it can grow two to three feet a year. In warmer climates the growth rate will slow down. This small tree will mature anywhere from eight to fifteen feet high and can spread four to five feet wide.

Tea Olive

As you can see in the picture above, the branches are a little leggy. In an open area, you can let the tree grow naturally and expand to its full maturity. If you plant the Tea Olive close to your foundation or other outdoor structures, I would recommend pruning the top branches to keep it under control. This tree is considered an upright and is also drought tolerant. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures five to ten degrees below freezing. This past spring I witnessed a late frost in April. The Tea Olive had already started its springtime blooming. Several of the leaves turned brown and it did take a few weeks to recover. The leaves are narrow and their dark green color and flowers stand out year around. Osmanthus can take full sun to part shade. Below are a couple more photos of the small flowers in bloom and also when they done blooming. These pictures were taken a day after Christmas in zone seven. As you can see, the Tea Olive still produces its fragrant flowers in late December.

December's Bloom

Flowers About Done

This plant specimen is truly special in many areas of the world. If you live in a colder climate, you can enjoy the Osmanthus by planting it in a large container. Bring it indoors in the winter time and you will be able to have the aroma year around. I would highly recommend this species in any style garden or landscape area.