Osmanthus delavayi

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

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Early Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Dense, Rounded, Spreading

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No