Lafayette County Master Gardeners: “Sweet Olive”

by Bronwynne Bailey

Known scientifically as Osmanthus fragrans, it is often called fragrant olive, sweet olive or sweet tea. This shrub is cherished for its sweet fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine and apricot. Sweet olive with its highly fragrant flowers is believed to repel mosquitoes. Each bloom is less than half an inch across with a tubular shape and delicate, creamy white to pale yellow petals. These petals have a soft, luminescent quality which appears to catch and reflect light, creating a faint glow against the deep emerald backdrop of the foliage. The flowers grow in tightly clustered groups nestled in the leaf axils, often blending into the greenery. Their scent fills the air and draws people closer where they can appreciate the flowers’ hidden charm. In China, flowers are sometimes added to teas. The leaves are evergreen, with a leathery texture and a glossy sheen that seems to shimmer in sunlight or glisten after a gentle rain. They are a deep, velvety green, with the color intensifying as the plant matures. Each leaf is 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. They have smooth, slightly undulating edges that create a subtle, rippling texture. Leaves are arranged opposite along the stems, forming a symmetrical, orderly structure that enhances the plant’s refined and tidy appearance.

Growth Habits

The Sweet Olive is a model of resilience and adaptability. It flourishes in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8–11, where the climate suits its needs for warmth and humidity. Sweet Olive, a large evergreen shrub or small tree, can reach 20 to 25 feet in height and width in its native habitat, but is most often seen at 10 to 12 feet high with an 8-foot-spread in Zone 8. They grow at a moderate rate, about 4 to 12 inches per year. With proper care, they live between 25 and 50 years. The sweet olive is ideal for pot-growing; it will thrive in a large pot in a bright spot on the patio or balcony, or in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse.

Soil Preferences

Osmanthus fragrans grows best in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. However, it can tolerate a variety of soil types, including heavy clay.

Planting Depth & Spacing

Position Sweet Olives to receive four to six hours of sunlight. This encourages them to bloom periodically throughout the year. This near-constant flowering is one of the plant’s most delightful features, ensuring that the enchanting fragrance is never far away. Variegated types tend to bleach out in full sun, so give them a little afternoon shade. Avoid planting the shrub in areas exposed to cold winds. Dig a hole that’s at least two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. Position the top of the root ball at ground level. Water it in deeply.

Watering

Water regularly for the first growing season. Once established, water when there is no weekly rainfall, or at least one inch of water per week. Once established, it can tolerate drought, but it might not thrive during extended droughts

Fertilizing

In early spring, feed the shrub with a general fertilizer. You can also use compost as a slow-release fertilizer.

Pruning

Aim to prune when the risk of frost is a distant memory but before the heat waves roll in. This period typically falls after the flowers have bid adieu and before new growth kicks in. Avoid severe pruning, which can prevent the shrub from blooming

Pests

Pests like scale insects and whiteflies can occasionally pose a threat, leaving behind sticky honeydew that can lead to unsightly sooty mold. To keep shrubs healthy, regularly inspect the leaves and branches for early signs of infestation and treat issues promptly. It is frost-sensitive, and injury will affect flowering the following fall.