Cistus Nursery Osmanthus fragrans Nanjing Beauty

While most sweet olives are known for their fragrance, 'Nanjing Beauty' is specifically selected for its late-season bloom time and the striking red tint on its new foliage. This adds a layer of visual interest that persists even when the plant isn't in flower.

Because it can reach over ten feet, it is best suited for the ground, but you can certainly train it as a small ornamental tree or keep it in a large container if you prune it regularly to manage its size. Its evergreen nature makes it a great candidate for a permanent patio feature.

This plant is rated for USDA zone 8 and can withstand temperatures down to 10°F. If you live in a climate that regularly drops below that, you will need to provide winter protection or keep it in a container that can be moved indoors.

Osmanthus fragrans generally performs best in full sun to partial shade. While it can tolerate some shade, you will get the most prolific flowering and the best red coloration on the new growth if it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

To train it as a tree, select a strong central leader and gradually remove the lower branches over time to expose the trunk. It responds well to pruning, so you can shape it in the late winter or early spring before the new growth cycle begins.