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Small fragrant white flowers of sweet olive among dark green foliageShrubs

Osmanthus fragrans

Sweet Olive

fragrantevergreenautumn bloomshade-tolerantcontainer plant

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.

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Before
After

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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

English holly with glossy dark green spiny leaves and red berriesTrees

Ilex 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.

Partial shadeMedium500–1500 cm
Purple flower clusters of rhododendron in a shaded gardenShrubs

Rhododendron 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.

Partial shadeMedium150–300 cm
Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea 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.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm