I confess that I bought my tea olive bush because I liked its name. Little did I know that it would grow so big or smell so good. It smells like an orange tree or something mighty similar. It's blossoms are tiny yellow flowers that all fall off the same day and make this lovely, mass profusion of petals.
I wonder why it's named Tea Olive? And does it only grow in the South? I've never seen one anywhere else. Does anyone know the history of this plant? Do you have one?
9 comments:
Osmanthus Fragrans ~ Fragrant Tea Olive~
It apparently grows in the south and on the east and west seaboards...so based on your description and what I just read about it looking it up through google...it might be a good candidate for our garden. There was a story on one nursery page about a grandpa planting it to fix the smell of his home in his youngest grandchildren's memories... and that there is no need to bury your nose in a blossom for the fragrance drifts a long way.
I have this plant in my very own yard, and it is just about my favorite bush in the world, because it is near enough to my front door that I get a whiff of its amazing smell going in and out. It is blooming and scenting the air right now. I haven't heard it called Tea Olive, but mine has been called Sweet Olive - is it another variety of Osmanthus, I wonder? - and I blogged about it once here http://gretchenjoanna.blogspot.com/2009/09/grandma-and-sweet-olive.html
I wish I could smell it and isn't it wonderful that Gretchen Joanna has one, too?
Your post makes me want to plant one of these! How nice to smell its scent through all your windows and each time you go out. Thanks for sharing!
After a little more investigation, I do believe I have two osmanthus trees! So excited! I thought they were male hollies, but the leaves indicate osmanthus. They smell fabulous, but alas, they are not close enough to my doors or windows that the scent will waft inside :( Still, it's heavenly when I'm outside. You said that all the blooms fall on the same day. Mine seem in the process of falling now. And my blooms are white, not yellow. A different variety?
I am going to write a longer piece about my osmanthus. But for now, to answer M.K., mine doesn't drop its flowers on any sidewalk, so I don't notice that aspect of its cycle. The flowers are mostly white, and I've taken more pictures that I'll post soon.
Thank you for visiting my Paris blog. It's a continuing source of delight for me. I have visited many times in the last 3 years and never ever get tired of her. I hope you will return often for your Paris "fix"! :)
Tea olives. Oh how wonderful that you have chosen this to write about. I"ve enhaled the heady fragrance many times in the last few weeks. What could be more wonderful? Your photos are the perfect addition.
V
i don't know anything about this plant except what i've just read in your blog. sounds wonderful . . . i like plants with a beautiful aroma and who doesn't love confetti~!?!
i want to thank you for visiting my blog the other day. i've been away from the computer and am just now getting back. you had a question about ATC's and as you are set to "no reply" i'll have to answer it (briefly) here.
ATC = Artist Trading Card. they measure 2.5 x 3.5 inches and are small artworks that are created and traded amongst artists. they include just about any type of art and i'm currently enjoying learning about and making them. if you're interested and you google "artist trading card" you will find out MUCH more.
:-)
libbyQ
i noticed while looking at your information that you have "A Gift from The Sea" on your book faves . . . it happens to be one of mine too and i often pick it up during my morning quiet time and randomly choose out a bit to read. i find her writing so relevant even though it was written quite some time ago~!
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