ShrubsOsmanthus fragrans
Sweet Olive
Sweet Olive is an evergreen shrub with dark green, leathery foliage and inconspicuous but wonderfully fragrant white flowers in September and October. The sweet, apricot-like scent carries far, making it one of the most fragrant garden plants. Slow-growing but eventually large.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–600 cm
- Spread
- 150–400 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 7–10
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- white
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or full sun in a sheltered position in moist, well-drained soil. Protect from cold east winds. Water regularly during dry spells. In cold regions, consider container growing so the plant can be sheltered in winter.
Pruning tips
Lightly prune after flowering in November to maintain shape. The plant needs minimal pruning and grows slowly. Remove any dead wood in spring. Avoid hard pruning — the plant recovers slowly.
Good companions
TreesIlex aquifolium
English Holly
English Holly is a stately, evergreen tree with glossy, spiny dark green leaves that provide a magnificent backdrop in winter. Female specimens bear bright red berries that are indispensable winter food for birds. The tree grows slowly but can live for centuries.
ShrubsRhododendron catawbiense
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.
ShrubsHydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.