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Fragrant Tea Olive
Osmanthus fragrans
In the United States:
Cultivated
· also called sweet olive, fragrant olive
Evergreen shrub or small tree with tiny, intensely fragrant white flowers that provide little to no nectar and are actively avoided by honeybees in favor of other forage. Main bloom occurs in autumn with possible scattered flowers through winter into spring; flowers are visited by thrips rather than bees. Requires well-drained soil and protection from harsh winter cold.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | low |
| Bloom (US) | September–April |
| Duration | ~2 months |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | partial |