My tea olive shrubs are in bloom and all is right in my world. For me, tea olives are one of the best things about living in the South. As a life long Southerner, they smell like home. The scent is absolutely intoxicating...and just that little sprig of bloom in the photo can fill an entire room with amazing fragrance. Wish I could post the scent for you!
Ummmm...I wish you could post the scent as well! The leaf looks like a gardenia and the blossom, a bit like jasmine. Is the fragrance anything like "Green Tea" perfume? I must find some of this for myself one day! Your picture of it is beautiful!
@Weezilou I think you would be able to grow Tea Olives in California, Louise...it's hardy in zones 8-10. I think you'd love it ~ the fragrance is like a combination of jasmine, orange blossoms, apricots and peaches. It is the most wonderful scent ~ somewhat like Daphne, but sweeter.
I too wondered if it was anything like a Gardenia, it does slightly remind me of one ! I have never heard of this plant but you must just have the right climate for it ! I would love a sniff !!!
@madeline515 Don't you just love them?!! I don't think there's anything that can compare. Gardenia, magnolias and Daphne come close...but Tea (Sweet) Olives are the best!
@peggysirk We've made a note and will check at the nursery when we're back in CA... We can always find room for another plant, especially one that earns its keep!
I wish you could post a scent, too. There is nothing like a scent to transport you to a place and time and a happy memory. I love the smell of new barbie dolls to this day because in my mind I'm sitting in front of the tree on Christmas morning.
Thank you Peggy! There is a bush in our castle grounds that smells divine, and I have never figured out what it is called. Even without the flowers it smells gorgeous, and I have always said I wish I could bottle it. Now I know what it is called, I am going to try and find one.
December 26th, 2011
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