Tea Olive Shrub

Tea olive shrub, Osmanthus heterophyllus, is a dense evergreen shrub or small tree with holly-like leaves and small, strongly scented flowers. Its leaf margins vary with age and position, from toothed juvenile foliage to mostly entire leaves higher on the plant ([North Carolina State Extension profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/osmanthus-heterophyllus/common-name/false-olive/)). ## Form and season This East Asian species is used as a hedge, screen, barrier, or specimen. Its flowers are inconspicuous but pungently sweet, appearing in late fall into winter; fruit is rarely seen in cultivation and is not showy. The opposite leaf arrangement also helps distinguish it from true hollies, whose leaves are alternate. ## Siting Grow in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. The Extension profile notes a preference for acidic soil, with tolerance of alkaline soils, heat, drought, pollution, and urban conditions. Its dense outline can provide year-round screening. ## Maintenance The shrub withstands pruning, but flowers form on the previous year’s growth, so heavy trimming can reduce the next display. Check occasionally for scale and aphids, and leave space for its mature upright form.