SCIENTIFIC NAME: Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus
COMMON NAME: Fragrant Orange Tea Olive
GARDEN SIZE: 15-30 feet tall x 8-16 feet wide
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
USDA ZONE: 8 to 11
EXPOSURE: Part Shade to Full Sun; protect from harsh winter winds and chill.
WATER & SOIL: Average to moist, acidic, well-drained, and organically rich soil. Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry. Drought tolerant once established.
HABIT (FORM): Upright, small tree or large shrub
FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Oval, leathery, glossy green leaves with smooth or finely toothed margins
FLOWERS: Extremely fragrant, orange flowers; sporadic flowering
PLANT ORIGIN: Himalayas, Japan, and China
WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a food source for local insects and wildlife.
FERTILIZING: Use a fertilizer for acid-loving plants (such as Holly-tone) in spring and fall
PRUNING: No pruning required for natural form; optional annual pruning may be done any time of the year for size and shape maintenance.
TOXICITY FLAGS: Generally considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
USES: Specimen, Corner/foundation planting