Osmanthus is an evergreen shrub of oriental origin. In Asia, the flower has a long history of use in culinary and medicinal practices. It’s predominantly known for its jasmine-like perfume in early spring and its delicately pale, yellow-white bell-shaped flowers.

Part of the Oleaceae family, it is often called tea olive. Another common moniker is false holly, as the spiny leaf texture on some varieties resembles a holly.

The shrub has evergreen foliage and blooms in most areas during March and April, with the potential to bloom again in the fall. It thrives in sunny locations, and can reach up to 20 feet in height in ideal conditions.

This shrub makes a lovely addition to a garden landscape.

Physical Appearance of Osmanthus Flower and Shrub

An early specimen of the osmanthus species didn’t survive transplanting from its native southern China to Kew Gardens in England. Simply called Olea Fragrans in 1789, the shrub died after failing to adjust to the harsh English climate. French botanist Delavay reintroduced the shrub to Europe with a better success rate. 

The real drawing card for the osmanthus flowering shrub is its divine scent and evergreen properties. 

The delicate four or five-leaf blossoms resemble a snowdrop or lilac flower cluster and emit a strong scent. The osmanthus scent is similar to jasmine and apricot. Once the blossoms fade, black and blue drupes form on the stem.

It’s a common myth that osmanthus is the same as a chrysanthemum. Both osmanthus and chrysanthemum produce beneficial teas and health products, but in botanical terms they are not related.

Meaning of Osmanthus

Osmanthus’ meaning traces its roots back to Greek words. “Osma” translates into “fragrant” and “anthos” means “flower.” Both terms define the shrub perfectly. 

This shrub is an important symbol in Chinese culture. The flowers represent love, fertility, and fidelity. Spring weddings in Chinese culture utilize symbolism; traditionally, the new bride bestows the flowers on her new family as a peace offering.

The auspicious meaning of the flower represents wealth, luck in prosperity, and nobility.

Osmanthus Olive Tea Shrub Planting and Care Guide

Following the planting guide for osmanthus produces better growth rates and healthier shrubs. They prefer full sun with partial shade to grow denser branches. Variegated varieties benefit from afternoon shade to prevent scorching.

Soil conditions are essential, and this plant thrives in well-drained soil with a medium PH balance from neutral to acidic.

New shrubs need space to develop into a hedge. Special care to plant them four to six feet apart is ideal. Frequent watering is essential until the shrub root system is well developed.

Once an osmanthus tea olive shrub establishes itself, it requires moderate watering. Adding an all-purpose fertilizer every fall along the root zone promotes good growth the following season. 

A good heap of compost acts as a slow-release fertilizer method and is an excellent alternative to feeding in poorer soil conditions.

Osmanthus flowering shrubs are fuss-free plants and require little pruning. Prune selectively and avoid over-pruning or risk delayed blooming for several years.

Precise pruning of lower twigs and branches easily shapes the plant into a tree-like shrub for ornamental gardening.

Below are some popular varieties and hybrids of them:

• Apricot Gold
• Aurantiacus
• Butter Yellow
• Conger Yellow
• Hunter’s Creek
• Osmanthus fortunei
• Orange Supreme
• Live Oak Gold

Osmanthus Tea and Medicinal Uses

This shrub has a long-standing history in Chinese culture. Several parts of the shrub are beneficial components in diet and ceremony.

Osmanthus Tea

Worldwide, tea connoisseurs prize this tea for its delicate sweet flavor and fruity undertones. Light floral infusions of apple and apricot make the tea a superior choice for a cleansing palate.

Blends of its flowers and green or black tea are a famous brew in Guilin, China. Osmanthus wine is an iconic cultural drink celebrating the autumn months.

Osmanthus Medicinal Use

In oriental cultures, they are a vital part of eastern medicine. Potions created from the bark are known to treat boils and skin conditions. Essential oils derived from the plant are preventative treatments for insect bites.

The root of this shrub is a remedy for menstrual cramping and pain, rheumatic and bruising-related conditions. Remedies from the flowers, bark, and stems are common treatments for respiratory illnesses like coughs, whooping cough, and retinitis, a rare eye condition. 

Recent studies suggest that it contains beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Infusions from the flowers are beneficial in skin and hair toiletries. 

Culinary uses are also common in Chinese culture. The aromatic flowers serve as sweetening substitutes in drinks, baked goods, soups, and traditional dishes.

Conclusion

Osmanthus shrubs, flowers, and tea are a part of oriental traditions. Since the successful cultivation of this shrub in Europe and North America, the plant has become an attractive feature in gardens.

Many tales regarding this beautiful and versatile plant persist in folklore and promote its popularity.

The idyllic scent and delicate pale yellow blossoms attract many environmentally beneficial insects, including bees, to the garden.