Shrub
Sweet Olive
Osmanthus fragrans
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
CrownshineOsmanthus fragransCrownshineOsmanthusMonroviaStandardOsmanthus fragransMonrovia
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$24.95
#2MonroviaFrom$49.95
#10 - SQUATMonroviaFrom$114.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 15.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size10-25 feet × 10-20 feet
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
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
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.
Water
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.
Soil & Fertilizer
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.
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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.