Osmanthus fragrans, commonly known as Sweet Osmanthus or Fragrant Tea Olive, is an evergreen shrub prized for its intensely fragrant, apricot-scented flowers. Native to East Asia and a member of the Oleaceae family (the same family as olives, jasmine and lilac), it typically grows 3-4 metres tall and 2-3 metres wide, with small creamy-white flowers appearing mainly in autumn. It suits full sun to part shade positions and is commonly grown in Australian gardens as a fragrance specimen, hedge or screening plant.
Despite its small, unassuming flowers, Osmanthus fragrans is grown chiefly for scent rather than visual display — the sweet, apricot-like fragrance carries well through a garden, especially at dusk, making it a favourite near entrances, windows, alfresco areas and outdoor seating. Its dense, glossy evergreen foliage also makes it a reliable, low-fuss hedging or screening plant year-round, independent of its flowering.
Plant Osmanthus fragrans in well-drained, fertile soil in a full-sun to part-shade position, allowing enough space for its mature spread of 2-3 metres — closer spacing (around 1m apart) works well if growing as a hedge. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; once established, it copes with moderate dry periods but performs best with occasional deep watering in summer. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth — this is also the best time to trim hedges. Feed in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to support healthy foliage and flowering.
Osmanthus fragrans works well alongside other shrubs that share similar sun, soil and fragrance-garden roles are Camellia, Gardenia, Buxus, Loropetalum, Syringa Lilac.
Osmanthus fragrans is supplied by Online Plants, Australia's first and largest online plant nursery, with a combined 50+ years of horticultural experience behind our plant selection and growing advice. Every plant is covered by our 30-day guarantee to grow, and delivered direct from the grower to your door across Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, Brisbane and surrounding metro and regional areas. Not sure if Osmanthus fragrans suits your garden or hedge line? Contact our team or try our free garden design consultation service, or request a plant quote for larger orders.