The Osmanthus Or Tea Olive Is A Brilliant 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 the tree provides is not
only leaves that retain their color year around,
but tiny delicate white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
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.
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.
The Tea Olive may get some damage if
there is a late spring frost. Several of the leaves
may turn brown but will the color will return in a
few weeks with the warmth of the sun.
The leaves are narrow and their dark green color
and flowers stand out year around.
Osmanthus can take full sun to part shade. This specimen looks
wonderful surrounded by other evergreen shrubs. Some that come to
mind are variegated Cypress, Loropetalums, Globosa Nanas, and Arborviates.
These pictures were taken a day after one Christmas in
zone seven. As you can see, the Tea Olive still
produces its fragrant flowers in late December.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.
