Recently I visited the Flower Bed Nursery in Lumberton, Mississippi, where I admired a magnificent sweet olive tree that stood gracefully at the entrance.
Scientifically known as Osmanthus fragrans, it is often referred to as the fragrant tea olive. One of my favorite evergreen shrubs or small trees, this plant is prized for its intensely sweet, jasmine-like scent and elegant, elegant appearance.
I am fortunate to have two Sweet Olive bushes in my own garden that I carefully maintain as medium-sized shrubs. They stimulate my senses of sight, touch and smell.
Despite their modest size, Sweet Olive flowers have subtle beauty and an unforgettable aroma.
Each flower is no more than half an inch in diameter, tubular in shape, and delicate, creamy white to pale yellow petals. These petals have a soft, luminous quality; It appears to capture and reflect light, creating a faint glow against the deep emerald green background of the foliage.
The flowers grow in densely packed clusters in the leaf axils and often blend into the green. Its sweet, fruity scent is reminiscent of ripe apricots and jasmine and attracts attention. This scent fills the air and brings people closer where they can enjoy the hidden charm of flowers.
The Sweet Olive's foliage adds further elegance to the plant.
The leaves are evergreen, have a leathery texture and a glossy sheen that appears to shimmer in sunlight or glitter after a gentle rain. They are a deep, velvety green, with the color becoming more intense as the plant matures.
Each leaf is 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. They have smooth, slightly wavy edges that create a subtle, wavy texture. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, forming a symmetrical, orderly structure that enhances the plant's sophisticated and tidy appearance.
Cut into a compact shape, the Sweet Olive's dense foliage creates a silhouette that is both striking and harmonious. It creates an unobtrusive but impressive presence in the garden.
The sweet olive is a model of resilience and adaptability. It thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8-11, where the climate suits its needs for warmth and moisture. This plant prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and rewards careful gardeners with vigorous growth and profuse flowering.
In my garden, I make sure my sweet olives get four to six hours of sunlight every day. This encourages them to bloom regularly throughout the year. This near-constant bloom is one of the plant's most appealing features and ensures that the enchanting scent is never far away.
Despite their resilience, sweet olives have challenges.
Pests such as scale insects and whiteflies can occasionally pose a threat, leaving behind sticky honeydew that can lead to unsightly sooty mold. To keep my shrubs healthy, I regularly inspect the leaves and branches for early signs of infestation and treat the problems promptly.
With their wonderfully fragrant flowers, rich green foliage and graceful structure, Sweet Olives make a great addition to southern gardens.
My two lovingly pruned and cared for shrubs are more than just plants – they are the heart of my landscape. They fill my outdoor area with timeless elegance, visual harmony and a scent that touches the senses and calms the soul.