Sweet Olive

Today Southern Gardening is at the Flower Bed Nursery in Lumberton, MS admiring their Sweet Olive trees. The Sweet Olive, also known as fragrant tea olive, is a beloved evergreen shrub or small tree, renowned for its intensely sweet, jasmine-like fragrance and attractive glossy foliage. Sweet Olive blooms intermittently throughout the year in warm regions filling the air with a delightful aroma. Although small and inconspicuous, its blossoms pack a powerful punch when it comes to fragrance, filling the air with a sweet, fruity scent that can be detected from a distance. The blooms are tubular and typically measure less than half an inch across. They grow in small clusters nestled in the leaf axils, blending subtly with the dark green foliage. The glossy, leathery, and dark green foliage, provides a lush and refined backdrop for the small but highly fragrant flowers. The evergreen leaves are arranged oppositely on the stems and vary slightly in size, typically ranging from 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. Native to Asia, it thrives in USDA zones 8–11. Mature plants can reach heights of 10–20 feet and widths of 6–10 feet, though they can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. With its intoxicating scent and easy care, the Sweet Olive is an ideal addition to Southern gardens. I'm Eddie Smith, and I look forward to seeing you next time on Southern Gardening!