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Green Thumb Direct
Sweet Olive
Sweet Olive
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$59.95 USD
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$59.95 USD
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Sweet Olive, scientifically known as Osmanthus fragrans, is a highly fragrant evergreen shrub or small tree that is cherished for its sweet-scented flowers. It is native to Asia, particularly China and Japan, and has become a popular ornamental plant in various parts of the world due to its delightful fragrance and attractive appearance. Here's a description of Sweet Olive:
1. **Foliage**: Sweet Olive is characterized by its glossy, leathery, and dark green leaves. The leaves are oval to elliptical in shape and typically measure about 2 to 4 inches in length. They are arranged alternately on the branches and provide year-round interest with their lush, deep green color.
2. **Flowers**: The primary attraction of the Sweet Olive is its small, tubular, and highly fragrant flowers. These blooms appear in clusters, typically in the late fall to early winter, depending on the climate. The flowers have a sweet, fruity fragrance that is often described as resembling apricots or peaches. The blossoms can range in color from creamy white to pale yellow and are often inconspicuous due to their small size, but their fragrance is unmistakable.
3. **Size**: Sweet Olive can vary in size, with some cultivated varieties growing as compact shrubs, while others can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) or more if allowed to grow as small trees. Pruning can help maintain a desired size and shape.
4. **Growth Habit**: This plant has a dense, bushy growth habit with a rounded or oval form. It typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, but it can be pruned into a tree-like shape with a single trunk.
5. **Hardiness**: Sweet Olive is generally considered hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. It can tolerate some light frost but prefers a mild to subtropical climate for optimal growth and flowering.
6. **Light and Soil Requirements**: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it tends to bloom more prolifically in full sun. Well-drained soil with good organic matter content is preferred, but Sweet Olive is adaptable to a range of soil types.
7. **Maintenance**: Sweet Olive is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and size. It benefits from occasional fertilization and consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
8. **Landscaping Uses**: Sweet Olive is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, thanks to its attractive foliage and delightful fragrance. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a hedge or screen. Placing it near windows, walkways, or outdoor seating areas allows people to enjoy its captivating fragrance.
In summary, Sweet Olive is a charming and fragrant evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy foliage and sweetly scented flowers. It adds a sensory dimension to gardens and landscapes, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers.
1. **Foliage**: Sweet Olive is characterized by its glossy, leathery, and dark green leaves. The leaves are oval to elliptical in shape and typically measure about 2 to 4 inches in length. They are arranged alternately on the branches and provide year-round interest with their lush, deep green color.
2. **Flowers**: The primary attraction of the Sweet Olive is its small, tubular, and highly fragrant flowers. These blooms appear in clusters, typically in the late fall to early winter, depending on the climate. The flowers have a sweet, fruity fragrance that is often described as resembling apricots or peaches. The blossoms can range in color from creamy white to pale yellow and are often inconspicuous due to their small size, but their fragrance is unmistakable.
3. **Size**: Sweet Olive can vary in size, with some cultivated varieties growing as compact shrubs, while others can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) or more if allowed to grow as small trees. Pruning can help maintain a desired size and shape.
4. **Growth Habit**: This plant has a dense, bushy growth habit with a rounded or oval form. It typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub, but it can be pruned into a tree-like shape with a single trunk.
5. **Hardiness**: Sweet Olive is generally considered hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. It can tolerate some light frost but prefers a mild to subtropical climate for optimal growth and flowering.
6. **Light and Soil Requirements**: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it tends to bloom more prolifically in full sun. Well-drained soil with good organic matter content is preferred, but Sweet Olive is adaptable to a range of soil types.
7. **Maintenance**: Sweet Olive is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and size. It benefits from occasional fertilization and consistent moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought once established.
8. **Landscaping Uses**: Sweet Olive is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, thanks to its attractive foliage and delightful fragrance. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as a hedge or screen. Placing it near windows, walkways, or outdoor seating areas allows people to enjoy its captivating fragrance.
In summary, Sweet Olive is a charming and fragrant evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its glossy foliage and sweetly scented flowers. It adds a sensory dimension to gardens and landscapes, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers.
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