Delavay Osmanthus Delavay Tea Olive

Osmanthus delavayi (Oleaceae) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to western and southwestern China (Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan). It grows slowly to 6 to 8 feet tall (occasionally 12 feet), with graceful arching branches and a neat, well-foliaged habit. The small opposite leaves (12 to 15 mm) are oval, finely toothed, and glossy dark green. Numerous small white flowers (12 mm, four reflexed lobes) appear in spring and are exceptionally fragrant.

Delavay osmanthus thrives in full sun to shade on well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. It blooms on old wood and should be pruned after flowering. Blue-black fruit (12 mm) is rarely produced in cultivation. The species received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1923. It was discovered in 1890 by the French botanist Abbe Delavay. Hardy in Zones 7a to 8b.