SEARCH PLANT
Powered by
Osmanthus delavayi
Common Name: Tea Olive
Osmanthus delavayi
Delavay Tea Olive / Delavay Osmanthus
Osmanthus delavayi is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves and graceful, arching branches. In spring, it becomes covered with clusters of small, tubular white flowers that are strongly sweet-fragrant. The plant has a dense, rounded to spreading form and can be used as a specimen, foundation shrub, hedge, screen, or along walls where the branches can soften the edge. Blue-black fruit may appear after flowering, though it is usually not the main ornamental feature.
Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
Mature Size: 6–8 ft. wide × 6–8 ft. tall; can reach 10–12 ft. with age in mild climates
10-Year Size: About 4–6 ft. wide × 4–6 ft. tall, depending on climate and pruning
USDA Zones: 7a–9b
Form: Dense, rounded, twiggy, arching, spreading shrub
Light: Full sun to part shade; blooms best with sun to part sun
Soil / Water: Adaptable to many soil types if well-drained; average moisture; drought tolerant once established
Bloom Time / Length: Spring, often March–May depending on climate; about 2–4 weeks
Wildlife: Fragrant flowers may attract bees and other early spring insects; dense evergreen branching provides cover for birds
Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent evergreen shrub for foundations, mixed borders, screens, hedges, woodland edges, and fragrant gardens. It is valued for its compact glossy foliage, arching habit, and heavy spring bloom. It can be clipped as a hedge or left natural, but pruning should be done right after flowering because next year’s flowers form on old wood.
Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant. Prune lightly after bloom to shape or control size. Avoid heavy late-season pruning, which can remove next spring’s flower buds. In colder parts of zone 7, plant in a protected location away from harsh winter wind.
| Plant Type: | Broadleaf Evergreen |
| Width: | 6-8' |
| Height: | 6-8' |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit: | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Zone: | 7–9 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | Not verified |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Bees |
| Exposure: | Full Sun |
| Bloom Time: | Early Spring |
| Bark Type: | Smooth |
| Landscape/Use: | Foundation |
| Shape: | Spreading, Rounded, Dense |
| Soil Type | Well Drained, Highly Adaptable |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |