Quick Care Guide

Prune: Lightly after flowering to maintain shape
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade
Water: Weekly, more in heat or drought
Fertilize: Once in early spring
Leaves: Glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves
Flowers: Fragrant white blooms in early spring

Pruning

Delavay Tea Olive requires minimal pruning. Light shaping can be done after flowering to maintain a tidy, compact form. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy airflow and growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce the next season’s blooms.

Watering

Water deeply about once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. During prolonged dry periods or extreme heat, increase watering to keep the roots moist. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and protect the shallow root system.

Leaves

The leaves are small, dark green, and evergreen, with a leathery texture and finely toothed edges. They form a dense, bushy appearance that provides year-round interest and makes the plant suitable for hedging.

Sunlight

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. At least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for best flowering. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps the plant healthy.

Fertilization

Fertilize once in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Avoid overfeeding, as excessive nitrogen can reduce flower production and lead to more leafy growth. A light annual feeding is typically sufficient for healthy growth.

Flowers

Delavay Tea Olive produces small, white, highly fragrant flowers in early to mid-spring. The blossoms grow in clusters and emit a sweet, apricot-like scent that attracts pollinators. Though subtle in appearance, their fragrance can fill a garden.