Fragrant Olive
Osmanthus fragrans
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Pl. 01D0 — Osmanthus fragrans
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IOverview
Overview
Fragrant Olive, scientifically known as Osmanthus fragrans, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to regions including Assam, Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), East and West Himalaya, Hainan, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in partial sun to full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows up to 6 meters tall. Known for its aromatic flowers and edible fruit, Fragrant Olive is widely used in culinary applications due to its sweet fragrance and flavor. One distinctive feature of this plant is the pleasant aroma it emits, which makes it a popular choice for ornamental purposes as well.
Quick answers
What is Fragrant Olive?
Fragrant Olive, scientifically known as Osmanthus fragrans, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to regions including Assam, Cambodia, China (North-Central, South-Central, Southeast), East and West Himalaya, Hainan, Japan, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Fragrant Olive thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows up to 6 meters tall. For propagation, use cuttings or grafting. The fruit is edible but not commonly used for consumption.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Mature size
6.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Fragrant Olive for the first time
8steps
Start with a Fragrant Olive in your garden for its beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance.
- 1
What you'll need
A Fragrant Olive sapling, well-draining soil, and a container if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, medium, or heavy soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have adequate holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a sapling from a nursery pot into your garden or larger container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Place in partial sun until established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly to shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, using the wrong soil type, and not providing enough space for mature size.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Essential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 14 native· 2 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (9)CambodiaChinaIndiaJapanMyanmarNepalTaiwanThailandVietnam
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, East Himalaya, Hainan
introduced:Marianas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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