Orange Flowering Tea Olive

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

6-8 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

Apricot-scented blossoms and glossy evergreen leaves make Orange Flowering Tea Olive a standout near entries, patios, and paths. Clusters of tiny, tangerine-hued flowers open in waves—often fall through spring in mild climates—perfuming the air while the dense foliage provides year-round structure for borders, hedges, and containers.

Orange Flowering Tea Olive Care

Give it full sun to bright partial shade; morning sun with light afternoon shade preserves bloom and leaf sheen in hot regions. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and mix in compost at planting. Water regularly the first season to establish deep roots, then switch to occasional deep soakings during prolonged dry spells; avoid chronically wet sites.

Mulch 2–3 inches over the root zone (keep mulch a few inches off the stems) to conserve moisture. Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Prune just after a major bloom flush to shape and thin lightly—heavy winter cuts can remove flower buds. Generally pest-free and deer-resistant; hardy roughly in USDA Zones 7–10 (container culture recommended at the cold edge).

Orange Flowering Tea Olive Spacing

For a fragrant privacy hedge, plant 3–5 feet apart on center depending on how quickly you want the screen to fill. As a specimen near seating areas or doorways, allow 4–6+ feet from walls and neighboring plants for airflow and to showcase the evergreen form.

In containers, choose a pot 16–20 inches wide (larger as it matures) with excellent drainage; set planters 2–3 feet apart for access and pruning.

Why Grow Orange Flowering Tea Olive?

• Powerfully fragrant, apricot-like blooms in repeated waves

• Dense, glossy evergreen foliage for four-season structure and screening

• Compact, manageable growth ideal for hedges, accents, and containers

• Low maintenance, drought tolerant once established, and generally pest-free

• Pollinator friendly and perfect for scenting paths, patios, and entryways

A perfume factory wrapped in an elegant evergreen—plant Orange Flowering Tea Olive where breezes can carry its sweetness, and enjoy a garden that smells as beautiful as it looks.