How to grow tea olive
Overview
Tea olive is an evergreen shrub grown for its intensely fragrant small white flowers that appear in autumn. It provides garden body, texture, and reliable seasonal interest, making it an excellent hedge or screen. Growers need well-drained soil and partial shade for best performance.
Varieties
- Osmanthus fragrans 'Aurantiacus' — A popular variety with rich orange flowers; very fragrant and widely available in Australian nurseries.
- Osmanthus fragrans 'Fudingzhu' — A Chinese cultivar with abundant creamy-white flowers and strong fragrance; well-suited to temperate climates.
Soil Preparation
Tea olive prefers acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). Before planting, work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. For heavy clay soils, raise the planting area or use a mound to prevent waterlogging.
Growing Guide
Plant tea olive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, in a position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Space plants 1–2 m apart for hedges, and water regularly during the first year until established. Avoid heavy clay soils; if necessary, plant on a mound to improve drainage. Mulch with organic material to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Care
Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser formulated for acid-loving plants. Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood, then mulch with organic matter to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Companion Planting
Tea olive pairs well with camellias, azaleas, and gardenias, which share its preference for acidic soil and partial shade. Avoid planting near heavy feeders like citrus that compete for moisture.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects are common, excreting honeydew that leads to sooty mould on leaves. Control scale with horticultural oil in early summer, and wash off sooty mould with a soft cloth and soapy water. Improve air circulation around the plant to reduce pest severity.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often caused by overwatering or poor drainage; allow soil to dry between waterings. Brown leaf edges: result of underwatering or salt burn from fertiliser; water deeply and use a slow-release feed. Lack of flowers: too much shade or low nutrients; ensure 4–6 hours of sun and feed in spring. Scale insects: small brown bumps on stems; treat with horticultural oil. Sooty mould: black coating on leaves following scale; wipe off and control scale.