Sweet Olive
Osmanthus fragrans
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Aug 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Sweet Olive
Sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is an evergreen shrub or small tree from Asia renowned for its tiny white or orange flowers that release an extraordinarily powerful apricot-like fragrance. Native to the Himalayas, China, and Japan, it is grown as an ornamental specimen, hedge, or container plant in warm climates. Starting at $24.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter, Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun to part shade; Tea Olive thrives in NE Florida's climate but may become leggy in too much shade — full sun produces the strongest growth and fragrance.
Drought tolerant once established; water regularly during the first year to establish roots, then rely largely on rainfall, avoiding wet or poorly drained sites to prevent mushroom root rot.
Prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral sandy or loamy soil; apply a slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring and avoid over-fertilizing, as this plant is naturally low-maintenance once established.
Similar needs
Cleyera
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Elderberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Piedmont Azalea
Shares 5 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Saltbush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Sweetshrub
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Viburnum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Sweet Olive a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sweet Olive is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 10-25 feet × 10-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.