Evergreen Tree – Sweet Olive Osmanthus

Sweet Olive Osmanthus 

Botanical name: osmanthus fragrans

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: can reach over 50 ft in height with a 10-15 ft spread 

Bloom time: summer/fall

Hardy zone: zones 7-11

Flower color: orange/yellow/white

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows no more than 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: privacy screen/hedge, background plant, provides shade 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators, fragrant blooms, deer resistant 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a tree and shrub plant food slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: boxwoods, nandinas, yaupon holly, dogwood shrubs 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets

Invasive species: no