Delavay Osmanthus. To me this is one of the more intriguing species in this genus. Here in the Deep South it is happiest when grown in filtered sun, not full sun. It is said in the literature to reach 6-8 feet with a greater spread, but I have never seen one that large here. In cooler climes such as the Pacific Northwest, it grows faster and larger, but here in our heat it is somewhat slower. Its half inch leaves will lend themselves to shearing to make a small clipped hedge, or if allowed to grow free form, it develops a mounding weeping habit. The more unique aspect of this Tea Olive is that it flowers in the spring, rather than fall and winter like most others. The white flowers are tubular and hang gracefully from its fine stems. It is also nicely fragrant as are most Osmanthus.
