How to Grow Fragrant Tea Olive Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Fragrant tea olive tree is a plant that is known for its fragrant flowers. The flowers of this plant are white and they have a strong, sweet fragrance. This plant is native to Asia and it is often used in perfumes and cosmetics.

How to Grow Fragrant Tea Olive Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

True tea olive
Sweet olive
Tea olive
Fragrant olive
Winter sweet

Basic info

The scientific name for the fragrant tea olive tree is Osmanthus fragrans.
It is native to China and other parts of Asia.
It has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States.
It is an evergreen shrub or tree that can grow to a height of 20-30 feet.
It has small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom in the fall or winter.
The flowers are often used in perfume and other fragrant products.
The leaves of the fragrant tea olive tree are used to make a tea that is said to have health benefits.
Some of the compounds found in the leaves of the fragrant tea olive tree have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
The wood of the fragrant tea olive tree is used in making furniture and other wood products.
The fragrant tea olive tree is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world.

Related plant:
Fragrant Viburnum

Planting Process

For fragrant tea olive tree, first step is to find the perfect spot in your yard that gets full to partial sun. This tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil that is not too alkaline. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with some compost before planting.
Once you have chosen the perfect spot, its time to dig the planting hole. The planting hole should be twice the width of the trees root ball and just as deep.
Gently remove the tree from its container and untangle any roots that might be tightly wound.
Place the tree in the planting hole and backfill with soil, tamping it down around the tree as you go.
Water the tree deeply immediately after planting.
For the first few weeks after planting, water your fragrant tea olive tree regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, this tree is quite drought tolerant.
Fertilize your fragrant tea olive tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
These trees do not require pruning, but you can shape them if desired. If you do prune, it is best to do so in late winter before new growth begins.
Fragrant tea olive trees are relatively pest and disease free, but scale can be a problem. If you see small, hard-shelled insects on the trunk or branches, treat them with an insecticidal soap.
These trees produce small, olive-like fruits that are not edible. However, the fruits are quite fragrant and attract birds and other animals to the garden.

Related plant:
Lonicera Fragrantissima

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the fragrant tea olive tree needs well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 in order to thrive. This tree is not particularly drought-tolerant, so it's important to keep an eye on the moisture levels in the soil and make sure it isn't getting too dry. Add mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

About light

Not too different with other trees, tea olive trees need sunlight to grow. However, these trees are unique in that they can also grow in shady areas. This means that you can enjoy the fragrance of these trees without having to worry about them getting too much sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of a fragrant tea olive tree is warm conditions. This tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The ideal temperature range for this tree is 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand short periods of temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, it can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. The tea olive is also sensitive to cold drafts, so make sure to keep it away from any windows or doors that might let in a draft.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant prefers a low nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will cause the leaves to become more plentiful but will also reduce the number of flowers. It is best to use a fertilizer that has a 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 ratio. An organic fertilizer such as compost or manure can also be used. Be sure to fertilize in early spring before the plant begins to bloom. The root system of the fragrant tea olive tree is relatively shallow. Because of this, it is important to water the tree regularly, especially during drought conditions. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree will help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Plant Pruning

Pruning a tea olive tree is important to maintain its shape and promote new growth. To prune, first identify the branches that need to be removed. Then, using sharp, clean pruning shears, cut the branches cleanly at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to make your cuts above a leaf bud or node, as this is where new growth will occur. After pruning, apply a few drops of olive oil to the cuts to help promote healing.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by taking hardwood cuttings in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is at least 6 inches long. The cutting should have at least 2 sets of leaves. Cut just below a node and remove the lower leaves. The cutting should be stuck in a moist soil mix and placed in indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not wet. New growth should appear in 6-8 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 24 inches per year. However, some may experience a growth rate double this amount. This rapid growth is attributed to the high levels of nitrogen in the leaves. Despite this, the fragrant tea olive tree is a slow-growing species that can live for hundreds of years.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rots, dieback and leaf spot. Root rots are caused by fungi that invade and kill the roots, which can lead to the death of the tree. Dieback is a slow decline and death of the tree from the top down. Leaf spot is caused by fungi or bacteria that cause spots on the leaves. There are many treatments for these problems, but the best course of action is to prevent them from happening in the first place.

Tips on Growing

Do not forget to water your tea olive tree regularly. The rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week.
Feed your tea olive tree with a good quality fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Prune your tea olive tree regularly to encourage new growth and promote a fuller, more compact plant.
Place your tea olive tree in an area that receives full sun for best results.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
Mulch around your tea olive tree to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
When planting, make sure to provide adequate drainage.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
When harvesting, cut branches with a sharp knife or pruning shears.
Enjoy the delicious and fragrant blossoms of your tea olive tree!