Osmanthus fragrans - Tea olive is a large upright shrub that can reach 20 ft (6.1 m) tall and 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) wide, but is usually seen in landscapes at 6-10 ft (1.8-3.1 m) high. The opposite leaves are a dark, shiny green and the edges may be finely toothed or smooth with both types present on the same individual. As the plant matures, most of the foliage is held at the outermost ends of the stems, but the plant retains a handsome appearance despite the legginess. In autumn, winter and early spring white flowers cover the shrub. It also blooms sporadically throughout the summer. Individually the blossoms are small and inconspicuous, but the fragrance is powerful and exquisite. Tea olive is rather slow growing and is usually quite long lived.

Osmanthus fragrans aurantiacus - This plant is a great all-around evergreen shrub or small tree that is perfect for a tall informal hedge, screen or background. It is tough, needs little water, and takes clay soils. What more could you ask for? Fragrance! The more common form, Osmanthus fragrans, is extremely fragrant and blooms heaviest in spring and early summer. The orange form pictured here blooms only in the fall, but when it blooms, the small and rather inconspicuous flowers will perfume an entire garden.

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' - Sometimes mistaken for holly, this rounded evergreen of dense bushy habit (to 10') has the added bonus of small fragrant white flowers in fall & new growth which is deep purple; hardier than the species. Sun-Part shade