SCIENTIFIC NAME: Osmanthus fragrans

COMMON NAME: Fragrant Tea Olive

GARDEN SIZE: 10 feet tall x 6-8 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Slow

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, densely branched

FOLIAGE: Evergreen; Finely toothed, dark green foliage

FLOWERS: Fragrant; Tiny, white, and showy; blooms in spring

PLANT ORIGIN: Himalayas, Japan, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Cambodia, and Thailand

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