Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive)

Quite hardy, Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful apricot fragrance of its flowers. Blooming profusely in the fall, the dainty clusters of bright tangerine flowers cover this densely branched shrub.

Quite hardy, Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive) is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or small tree of upright oval to columnar habit, prized for the powerful apricot fragrance of its flowers. Blooming profusely in the fall, the dainty clusters of bright tangerine flowers cover this densely branched shrub. The evergreen foliage of oval, leathery leaves retains its lustrous dark green color year-round. The dense growth habit and lush evergreen foliage make Fragrant Olive an excellent choice for hedges, screens and specimen plants. Slow-growing and easy in cultivation, Osmanthus makes a good container plant too.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall (300-450 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm). Clip off growing tips to maintain compact size and to encourage bushiness
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates heavy clays. Drought tolerant once established.
  • May be trained as a small tree, shrub, hedge, or espalier. Can be grown in containers.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for scale and aphids.
  • Native to the Himalayas, Japan, China.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 7
– 10

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Osmanthus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10'
– 15'
(3m
– 4.5m)
Spread 6'
– 8'
(180cm
– 240cm)
Spacing 60″
– 72″
(150cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden