Sweet Olive Plant
Sweet Olive Plant
As large as it is lovely, at an incredible maximum size of 20 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide you’ll want to make sure to plant the Sweet Olive evergreen shrub only where it’s capable of growing to its full potential. Though it prefers at least somewhat fertile soil, the Sweet Olive Osmanthus shrub is adaptable to living in much worse conditions with poor soil and can thrive even with general neglect. Offering an incredible fragrance that you’re going to want to enjoy, planting these shrubs near doors and windows is a great way to enjoy them all day long. For the best results from your Sweet Olive plant just place it in full sun to partial shade in moist to average soil. Great in a row or as part of a hedge, this lovely shrub is covered in small white flowers through Fall, Winter and early Spring, with occasional blooms in the Summer as well.
Questions & Answers
Have a Question?
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Can small leaf tea olive be grown in large 10 gal container?
Yes, we have grown them in 7 and 10 gallon containers.
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can I pay by visa?
Yes!
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Zone??
Sweet Olive plants (Osmanthus fragrans) are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. They thrive in warm climates and can tolerate mild winters. In these zones, Sweet Olive plants can grow well outdoors and produce their fragrant blooms, especially in warmer areas where the temperatures don't drop too low.
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What planting zone can this sweet olive be grown in?
Sweet Olive plants (Osmanthus fragrans) are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. These zones provide the mild winters and warm climates that Sweet Olive thrives in, making it ideal for areas with moderate temperatures throughout the year.
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May I know what is the color of the flower?
It blooms white.
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Does Sweet Olive shrubs like shade.
Sweet Olive shrubs (Osmanthus fragrans) prefer full sun to partial shade, but they can tolerate some shade. For optimal growth and fragrant blooms, it's best to plant them in a location with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. While they can grow in shadier spots, too much shade may reduce flowering. Sweet Olive shrubs thrive in well-draining soil and are known for their highly fragrant flowers, making them a great addition to both sunlit and partially shaded areas of the garden.
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How far apart should I plant them to form a privacy hedge?
To create a privacy hedge with Sweet Olive shrubs (Osmanthus fragrans), plant them 4 to 6 feet apart. This spacing allows enough room for the shrubs to grow while providing dense coverage as they mature. Sweet Olive plants can reach heights of 10 to 12 feet, making them an excellent choice for a tall, fragrant hedge. Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and receive full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Regular watering will help them establish and thrive as a privacy barrier.
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Will it grow in Indiana, zone 5
No, a Sweet Olive plant (Osmanthus fragrans) will not survive in Zone 5 Indiana, as it thrives in USDA Zones 8 to 11. Sweet Olive is sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures common in Zone 5 winters. In colder climates like Indiana, it’s best to grow Sweet Olive in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months or consider other cold-hardy plants better suited for your zone.
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Does this tree produce olives that you can eat ? How tall are these trees?
The Sweet Olive plant (Osmanthus fragrans) does not produce edible olives, despite its name. Instead, it is known for its fragrant, small white flowers that emit a delightful scent. Sweet Olive plants can grow up to 10 to 20 feet tall, making them ideal for use as hedges or ornamental shrubs.
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Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the Sweet Olive plant (Osmanthus fragrans) is considered deer-resistant. Its tough, leathery leaves and strong fragrance typically deter deer from grazing on it, making it a great choice for landscapes where deer are common. This evergreen shrub also adds a lovely fragrance to your garden, especially when it blooms. It thrives in USDA zones 8-11.
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Do these fruit? I am looking for the Elaeagnus Umbellata. Is this it?
We grow the fruitlandii elaeagnus. They do fruit, however, they are not edible. The fruitlandii plant produces small brown fruit in the late fall.
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What zone will this grow?
The Sweet Olive plant (Osmanthus fragrans) thrives in USDA zones 7 to 10. It prefers warmer climates but can tolerate some colder temperatures in the lower end of this range. In colder zones, it may need protection during harsh winters.
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I live in Michigan, will it grow in our back swampy soil?
Sweet olive plants (Osmanthus fragrans) prefer well-drained soil and may struggle in consistently swampy or waterlogged conditions. They thrive in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral and appreciate good drainage. If your back area is swampy, it may lead to root rot or other water-related issues. To improve success, consider planting them in raised beds or improving drainage in the area.
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Can the sweet olive grow in Rapid City South Dakota🤔
Sweet Olive plants (Osmanthus fragrans) are typically hardy in USDA zones 8-11, meaning they thrive in warmer climates. Unfortunately, Rapid City, South Dakota, falls in USDA zone 5, which experiences much colder temperatures. Sweet Olive plants are unlikely to survive the harsh winters of zone 5, as they are not cold-tolerant enough to endure freezing temperatures typical of the area. You might be able to grow Sweet Olive in a container and bring it indoors during the colder months, but it is not suited for outdoor growth year-round in Rapid City.
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I have a very small sweet olive, should I keep it in a pot for another season or put it in the ground this fall? It did not do very well indoors. I live in West Tennessee
Since you’re in West Tennessee, it’s best to plant your sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) in the ground this fall for stronger root establishment before winter. Potted sweet olives may struggle indoors, while in-ground plants are more resilient in cold weather.
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When is the best time to plant sweet olive tree in zone 7 in Mississippi
The best time to plant a sweet olive tree (Osmanthus fragrans) in zone 7 is in early spring or fall. Planting during these seasons allows roots to establish before summer heat or winter cold, leading to stronger growth.
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Should I ever add any fertilizer to my sweet olive shrubs?r
Yes, fertilizing sweet olive shrubs can support healthy growth and encourage fragrant blooms. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as new growth begins. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) and apply it according to package instructions. You can also add a light dose in late summer to support ongoing growth, but avoid fertilizing in fall, as it may stimulate growth that’s vulnerable to winter cold.
Tip: Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, benefiting the roots without competing with fertilizer.
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Does this plant give fruits?
Yes, a sweet olive can produce small, non-edible fruits after flowering, but the plant is primarily grown for its fragrant blooms.
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What is the root system like. How far from house and plumbing should sweet olive tree be planted?
Sweet olive trees (Osmanthus fragrans) have a non-invasive, shallow root system. However, they can spread laterally as the tree matures.
Planting Recommendations:
- Distance from the house: Plant at least 3–5 feet away to allow for canopy growth and airflow.
- Distance from plumbing: Keep at least 10 feet away to avoid potential interference with underground pipes.
Sweet olives are low-risk for root damage but need adequate space to grow healthily.
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Is this the same as a tea olive?
Yes, sweet olive and tea olive are both common names for Osmanthus fragrans.
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what osmanthus can I buy that is in a 7 gallon container but grows approx 12 feet
You can choose Osmanthus fragrans, which grows to about 12 feet tall.
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Will it ( the sweet olive) survive in western facing north Florida sun?
Yes, sweet olive can tolerate western sun in North Florida but benefits from some afternoon shade.
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It got very cold south of Dallas Texas. My sweet olive shrubs lost most of its leaves. Is it dead ? Can it regrow and survive?
Your sweet olive shrubs may not be dead. Sweet olives can lose leaves after a cold snap, but their roots are often resilient. Check for life by scratching the bark; if it's green underneath, the plant is still alive. Prune any damaged branches in early spring and wait for regrowth as the weather warms. Mulch around the base to protect roots in future cold spells.
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what is the hardy zone?
Sweet olive is hardy in zones 8-11.
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Will they do ok in zone 5
No, they are not cold-hardy enough for zone 5.
The plants arrived very healthy, green with all leaves in great shape. The shipping was prompt, and the packages were well packed.
Customer service was great and the tree was in great shape
Prompt delivery; arrived relatively intact (soiled has shifted around on some plants but not enough to damage it)
Plants are healthy. All good
Very good and sweet fragrance