Has anyone had success growing Tea Olive, osmanthus fragrans either in a patio container or in the ground in zone 6--pittsburgh? I know it should only survive in 7 plus.
tea olive in zone 6pittsburgh, pa.?
Janet - other then fellow DGers I ordered both of mine from a vendor in NC - here is a page on their Tea Olives http://www.nurcar.com/featurdPlants/html/osmanthus.html They are very sweet folk - since plant files sometimes has the hardiness listed on the side of caution, I'd call them 803-279-2707 and ask how hardy the Osmanthus fragrans 'Aurantiacus' is since that one is reported to tolerate cold more then the others. My others I simply keep in large pots and enjoy those blooms in my living room. They're not a messy plant. If you enjoy fragrance I think you'd be very pleased with their scent when in bloom.
thanks for the suggestion. I just spent an hour viewing their marvelous listing and then spoke to them on the phone. I will be ordering soon.
You'll be VERY pleased - these are large established plants with a good sized root ball. Mine are BOTH still doing great (purchased in Dec) and the one still has some blooms - love the scent!!
valrita
Mar 18, 2009
I'm curious about what they suggested. What special care would we have to give them? What are you thinking about ordering? I'd love to have a Tea Olive.
Actually I discussed other plants with the person I spoke to--didn't get to the main reason I called. I need to speak with Tom rather than the "order-taker". Will post when I get the details of the proper variety.
valrita
Mar 18, 2009
Thanks so much. I'll keep watching.
I have a tea olive in a pot, I live near Boston. I bring it in, because the best part of it is the wonderful smell most of the winter when it's in bloom. It perfumes my entire bedroom, and my tree is only about 2' tall (actually more like a shrub)
When in the winter does it bloom for you in Ma.?
One of mine has been blooming since Dec...still a few blooms remaining on the one.
yes, mine blooms most of the winter, I still have blooms on mine today, they are so small, I don't know how long they last, but new ones keep coming.