Fragrant Tea Olive - The Most Fragrant, Unknown Plant in the US

Don't let the size of a bloom fool you.You can prune the shrub to a desired size or let it
We tend to choose plants whose flowers aregrow to create some seclusion. Morning sun or
large and colorful. Some of them have lovelyhigh, shifting shade is the lighting preferred by the
scents; we worry more about interrupting theTea Olive.
green. There is an evergreen shrub treasured notOsmanthus fragrans - plant a row for beauty.
for the beauty of its blossoms but for theThat's the formal Latin name for Fragrant Tea
delightful perfume they produce.Olive. It is perfectly suited to blocking out a view
The scent can be enjoyed from afar.and offering evergreen privacy. Osmanthus grow
The aroma is very unique to these flowers. Noto 6-10' tall by 6-8' wide with a shape that
two people will describe it the same, yetremains quite uniform and attractive into maturity.
everyone finds it lovely. A bouquet so heady itThe size is a great proportion for placing at the
can actually be enjoyed at 100 feet away fromcorner of a building or between windows where
the plant. Each shrub will be smothered withsomething that will get taller is needed for balance
thousands of light creamy yellow blooms.and framing your home.
Depending on where you live, the blooming canPlace one in a large container near your door.
take place in autumn and early spring, or all yearThe attractive deep green, glossy foliage gives
in the southern reaches of its hardy zones.the shrub added value for viewing in close
There's more to this shrub than a delicious smell.proximity. What a great container plant for your
The Fragrant Tea Olive will adapt to any soil butdeck, patio or doorway. If you live in an area
sand. Its easy to grow and will tolerate somewhere the Tea Olive is tender, this is the perfect
drought, once established. It isn't prone to attackway for you to enjoy them. You'll be able to take
from pests or diseases with adequate moisture.your Osmanthus indoors for cold protection.