Osmanthus fragrans

Plant Family

Oleaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Osmanthus fragrans

Photo by: GERALD L. KLINGAMAN

Plant Common Name

Sweet Olive, Sweet Osmanthus

General Description

Renowned for the powerful apricot fragrance of its flowers, this broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree is native to China, Japan and the Himalayas. The small, tubular, white flowers occur in autumn and spring, and sometimes at other seasons. Yellow- and orange-flowered forms are sometimes cultivated. The leaves are glossy and dark green with toothed or smooth edges.

Sweet olive thrives in moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils and partial shade or full sun. It appreciates shelter from cold winds or hot sun. It excels in informal hedges or mixed borders, or anywhere its floral scent may be appreciated. It also works well in a bright, cool position indoors.

• AHS Heat Zone

  12 - 8

• USDA Hardiness Zone

  7 - 11

• Sunset Zone

  H1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

• Plant Type

  Broadleaf Evergreen

• Sun Exposure

  Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

• Height

  10'-30' / 3.0m - 9.1m

• Width

  6'-20' / 1.8m - 6.1m

• Bloom Time

  Spring, Late Spring, Early Fall, Fall

• Native To

  Asia, Nepal, China, Japan, Korea

• Soil pH

  Acidic, Neutral

• Soil Moisture

  Well Drained

• Soil type

  Clay, Loam, Sand

• Growth Rate

  Medium

• Water Requirements

  Average Water

• Habit

  Upright/Erect

• Seasonal Interest

  Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

• Flower Interest

  Showy

• Flower Color

  White, Orange

• Fruit Color

  Blue, Black

• Foliage Color (Spring)

  Green, Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Summer)

  Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Fall)

  Dark Green

• Foliage Color (Winter)

  Dark Green

• Bark Color

  Gray

• Fragrant Flowers

  Yes

• Fragrant Fruit

  No

• Fragrant Foliage

  No

• Bark or Stem Fragrant

  No

• Flower Petal Number

  Single

• Repeat Bloomer

  Yes

• Showy Fruit

  No

• Edible Fruit

  No

• Showy Foliage

  No

• Foliage Texture

  Medium

• Foliage Sheen

  Glossy

• Evergreen

  Yes

• Showy Bark

  No

• Bark Texture

  Smooth

• Usage

  Container, Feature Plant, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

• Sharp or Has Thorns

  No

• Invasive

  No

• Self-Sowing

  No