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Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive

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Fragrant orange blooms: Produces small, bright orange flowers with a sweet, captivating fragrance, blooming in fall and occasionally in spring.

Evergreen foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round beauty and structure to landscapes.

Low-maintenance: Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, thriving with minimal attention once established.

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Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Limited Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If not, just call us at (704) 443-8256.

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Planting & Care

Planting Instructions for Orange Flowering Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

  1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
    Orange Flowering Tea Olive thrives in full sun to partial shade, making sure it gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for the best blooming. It prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), though it can adapt to a range of soil types. If your soil is heavy clay or poorly draining, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.

  2. Planting:
    Dig a hole that is twice as wide and slightly shallower than the root ball of the plant. Create a small mound in the center of the hole to rest the root ball on, and make sure the top of the root ball sits just above the soil line to prevent the plant from sitting in water as the soil settles. Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots. Water deeply after planting to help the roots establish.

  3. Mulching:
    Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering:
    During the first year, water your Tea Olive deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but will perform best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot.

  2. Fertilization:
    Fertilize in early spring and again in mid-summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. For optimal blooming, you can also use a fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorus to promote more flower production.

  3. Monitoring for Issues:
    Keep an eye out for common issues such as aphids, scale, or spider mites, particularly in hot, dry conditions. These can usually be managed with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. Tea Olives are generally pest-resistant and disease-free, but providing good air circulation around the plant helps prevent fungal issues.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    Prune your Orange Flowering Tea Olive in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Light pruning throughout the year helps maintain a dense, bushy habit, but avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce flowering for the season. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and maintain the plant’s health.

  2. Pest and Disease Control:
    Tea Olives are largely pest-resistant, but occasionally, they may face issues with scale or aphids. Regularly check for pests and, if needed, treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Disease is rare, but root rot can occur if the soil is too wet, so ensure good drainage.

  3. Seasonal Tasks:
    In colder climates (zones 8-11 are ideal), Orange Flowering Tea Olive may need protection during harsh winters. Mulch heavily around the base before the first frost and consider covering the plant with burlap or frost cloth if extended cold periods are expected. In milder climates, it blooms sporadically year-round, with peak flowering in the fall.

Additional Tips for Growing Orange Flowering Tea Olive

  1. Scent and Placement:
    The Orange Flowering Tea Olive is known for its highly fragrant blooms, which smell similar to apricots or peaches. To enjoy its delightful fragrance, plant it near patios, walkways, or entryways where you can appreciate its scent. It’s also a great choice for a hedge or privacy screen in areas where its scent can drift.

  2. Cold Hardiness:
    While Orange Flowering Tea Olives are hardy in USDA zones 8-11, they may suffer damage in temperatures below 15°F (-9°C). In colder regions, consider planting them in a more protected spot, such as against a south-facing wall, which provides warmth and shelter from cold winds.

  3. Encouraging More Blooms:
    Tea Olives bloom best when they receive consistent care. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce blooming. A top dressing of compost in early spring can help boost flower production, as will avoiding excess nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over blooms.

  4. Companion Planting:
    Tea Olives pair well with other fragrant plants like gardenias, lavender, or jasmine to create a fragrant garden. Their glossy green leaves also contrast nicely with plants that have variegated or silver foliage, making them an attractive addition to mixed borders.

  5. Container Growth:
    If you’re growing Orange Flowering Tea Olive in a container, choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. Ensure it has excellent drainage to prevent water from pooling at the roots. Container plants may need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, especially in hot weather.

  6. Soil Moisture and Mulch:
    While Tea Olives are drought-tolerant once established, keeping the soil evenly moist—especially during dry periods—will encourage better growth and more blooms. Mulching helps retain moisture and keep roots cool, especially in warmer climates.

Get Superior Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olives, Grown by Experts

Stronger Roots for Faster Growth: Some nurseries ship “bare root” plants to cut costs, but this can lead to transplant shock and weak establishment. We send your Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive in a soil-filled container, ensuring a well-developed root system that promotes vigorous growth and earlier blooms.

Healthy Roots, Thriving Plants: Many growers use undersized pots, creating root-bound plants that struggle to absorb water and nutrients. Our Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olives are grown in spacious containers, allowing their roots to expand properly so they arrive strong, healthy, and ready to flourish.

True-to-Size Guarantee: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, meaning their “2-3 ft.” plant may be significantly shorter when planted. We measure from the soil line up, ensuring your Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive meets the advertised height upon arrival.

Authentic Fragrant Variety: Not all Tea Olives are the same—some grown from seed may produce inconsistent fragrance and flower color. Our Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olives are expertly propagated to ensure you receive the true variety, known for its rich apricot-hued blooms and sweet, citrus-like fragrance that lasts for months.

The Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive thrives in Zones 5-9

Growing Zones for the Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-9
Mature Height 8-10 ft.
Mature Width 6-8 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus

The Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive thrives in Zones 5-9

Growing Zones for the Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Orange Flowering Fragrant Tea Olive.
Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 5-9
Mature Height 8-10 ft.
Mature Width 6-8 ft.
Cannot Ship To AZ, OR
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus

Description

Orange Flowering Tea Olive Shrub

Fragrant, Citrus-Scented Blooms with Evergreen Beauty – Perfect for Gardens, Hedges, and Containers

The Orange Flowering Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus) is a stunning evergreen shrub prized for its abundant, sweetly fragrant orange blooms. Known for its incredible fragrance, which is often compared to ripe apricots or fresh peaches, this tea olive adds a delightful aroma to any garden or outdoor space. With its dark green foliage and long-lasting blooms, this plant is an excellent choice for hedges, garden borders, or as a stand-alone focal point. Its versatile growth habit and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

Delightful Fragrance and Year-Round Appeal

The Orange Flowering Tea Olive produces clusters of small, orange, tubular flowers that bloom in the fall and occasionally throughout the year. These blooms, while small, pack an incredible punch of fragrance, filling your garden with a delightful citrus scent that can be enjoyed from a distance. This shrub is evergreen, with dense, glossy green leaves that provide year-round beauty, even when it’s not in bloom. Its compact, bushy growth habit makes it ideal for creating fragrant hedges, screens, or garden accents.

Why Choose the Orange Flowering Tea Olive?

  • Heavenly Fragrance: This tea olive is famous for its sweet, citrus-like fragrance, which fills the air with the scent of apricots or peaches. Its aromatic flowers are a sensory delight in any garden.
  • Evergreen Beauty: With its dense, glossy, deep green leaves, the Orange Flowering Tea Olive provides year-round structure and color to your garden, even when not in bloom.
  • Long Blooming Season: This plant offers a long blooming season, producing fragrant orange flowers in fall and sporadically throughout the year, ensuring a steady source of fragrance and beauty.
  • Versatile & Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and adaptable, this tea olive thrives in a variety of garden settings. It’s perfect for hedges, garden borders, or growing in containers, where it can be enjoyed up close.
  • Drought Tolerant & Deer Resistant: Once established, the Orange Flowering Tea Olive is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a hardy, reliable choice for a low-maintenance garden.

Ideal Placement and Uses

  • Hedges & Screens: The dense, evergreen foliage and fragrant blooms make the Orange Flowering Tea Olive an excellent choice for hedges or privacy screens. Plant in rows to create a natural, aromatic barrier that remains lush year-round.
  • Garden Borders & Focal Points: Use this shrub as a specimen plant in your garden or as part of a mixed border. Its glossy leaves and fragrant orange flowers will add interest and fragrance to any landscape.
  • Patios & Containers: The compact growth habit of the Orange Flowering Tea Olive makes it ideal for container planting. Place it near patios, porches, or walkways to enjoy its delightful fragrance up close.
  • Pollinator Gardens: The small, fragrant flowers of this shrub attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.

Growing Tips

  • Light: The Orange Flowering Tea Olive thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best flowering and growth, plant it in a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
  • Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during extended dry periods.
  • Soil: This tea olive prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Adding organic matter, such as compost, will improve soil quality and drainage.
  • Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and promote blooming.
  • Pruning: Prune lightly after the blooming season to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning helps maintain its compact form and encourages new growth.

Orange Fragrant Tea Olive – A Southern Favorite with Vibrant Blooms and Sweet Citrus Aroma

The Orange Fragrant Tea Olive Tree (Osmanthus fragrans ‘Aurantiacus’) is particularly admired in the southeastern United States, especially in Savannah, Georgia, where its rich, apricot-colored blooms fill the air with an intoxicating, fruity-citrus fragrance. Strolling through Savannah’s historic squares and gardens, visitors often catch the unmistakable scent of these stunning trees, which are commonly planted along garden paths, near courtyards, and beside historic homes. Their vibrant orange flowers bloom primarily in the fall, adding a warm pop of color to the lush, evergreen foliage. Also beloved in Charleston, South Carolina, and throughout the Deep South, the Orange Fragrant Tea Olive is a standout in traditional Southern landscapes, offering year-round greenery, low-maintenance care, and a uniquely rich, honeyed fragrance that makes any outdoor space feel inviting and elegant.

Why Buy from Nationwide Plants?

When you buy the Orange Flowering Tea Olive from Nationwide Plants, you’re investing in a high-quality, expertly grown plant. We guarantee:

  • Healthy, well-established shrubs that are ready to thrive in your garden.
  • Fast, secure shipping so your plant arrives in perfect condition.
  • Expert growing advice to help you enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your tea olive for years to come.

With its heavenly fragrance, evergreen foliage, and easy-care nature, the Orange Flowering Tea Olive is a perfect choice for adding beauty and aromatic charm to your garden, patio, or outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a fragrant hedge, accent your garden, or enhance your patio with sweetly scented blooms, this versatile shrub will deliver.

Order your Orange Flowering Tea Olive today and enjoy its lush beauty and incredible fragrance all year long!
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