Osmanthus delavayi

Also Known As

Osmanthus delavayi 'Delavayi'
Sweet Olive

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 5'-8'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

7a-10a

More Options

Osmanthus delavayi plant details

Osmanthus delavayi is a moderate-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by black, blue and purple fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Osmanthus delavayi

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: oleaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 5 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: easy-to-grow, espalier, fragrant, hedge, leathery leaves, screen, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Osmanthus delavayi

USDA Zones: 7a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Of all the fragrant shrubs for the early spring garden, Osmanthus delavayi, known as the sweet olive, is one of most delightful and elegant. It has stiff, leathery, toothed, evergreen leaves that are glossy green above and speckled beneath. The tubular flowers are pure white and highly fragrant held in clusters on arching stems. Plants can also be pruned into a hedge. Position this plant where its sweet perfume can be easily enjoyed in early spring such as beside a pathway, near your front door, or near a garden seat. Plant in well-drained soil improved with a little compost. Drought tolerant once established.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

(SWEET OLIVE) Superb performer here in the PNW, this evergreen, arching shrub is covered in tiny deep green leaves and grows moderately to 5’ tall and 6’ wide. SUPER FRAGRANT tubular white flowers April>May in great numbers scent the entire garden! Most soils (even sand and clay), sun to shade (less bloom in dark areas); will take shearing, drought tolerant once stablished but appreciates occasional water. A great foundation plant, easy to grow. Zone 7

By: Secret Garden Growers

Evergreen shrub with tiny, dark green leaves, complimented by tubular flowers in early spring. Small, fragrant flowers cover the entire shrub and are a welcome sight after the end of winter. This year-round interest plant can be pruned into a nice hedge or screen or left to grow naturally. Pruning in summer will keep it dense and full. Will be drought tolerant once established. Growth Rate medium

By: Garden World

One of China's gems; a very beautiful small-leaved species (Hillier); fragrant, white, jessamine-like flowers are borne profusely in spring on this slow-growing 4-6'shrub. PSh/Med

By: Forestfarm

Fragrant white tubular flowers spring, Evergreen foliage, Can prune for formal look. Hardy zones 7-9.

By: Lael's Moon Garden

A beautiful evergreen from China, bearing prolific fragrant white flowers in spring . Growing slowly to 4-6', partial shade.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

No doubt the most durable, most abusable, most hedge-able, most dependable of the sweet olives. Stocky evergreen shrub to 6 ft or so loaded with intoxicatingly sweet-scented, small, white spring flowers. Full sun to part shade in any soil (except swampy!). Drought tolerant once established. Can be pruned in summer to maintain shape. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7.