Osmanthus fragrans

 

 

  Sweet Olive

  Family: Oleaceae

  Origin: Eastern Asia

 
Hardiness: Hardy to 15 degrees; USDA Zones 8b, 9, 10
Growth: Moderate rate of growth to about 10 feet
Form: Mound shape but easily trained to narrow upright or tree
Leaves: Oval, glossy, 3-4 inch, medium green
Flowers: Tiny, white, very fragrant umbels in spring and summer
Exposure: Shade to partial sun; full sun at coast
Water: Deep water monthly in summer
Soil: Sand to clay in near neutral range
Fertilizer: NPK in spring
Prune: Prune to shape in spring and summer; easily kept at 6 feet
Problems: Aphids and scale

Versatile plant that can be used as a background, hedge or screen. It can also be trained as a small tree in the ground or in a container. Valued for neat appearance and for fragrance.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page

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