How to Plant Tea Olive Trees

Tea olives are an evergreen shrub that produces lovely, fragrant flowers. They are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Here are the steps to plant tea olive trees:

Step 1: Choose the right location

Tea olives grow best in areas where they can get partial to full sunlight. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but they prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Before planting, make sure the location you choose has good drainage and is not prone to flooding.

Step 2: Prepare the soil

The best time to plant tea olive trees is in the early spring or fall. Start by digging a hole that is twice the diameter of the root ball and just as deep. Mix in some organic matter, like compost, to help improve the soil's quality and drainage. If the soil is too sandy, add some clay to help retain moisture. If it's too dense, add some perlite to help with drainage.

Step 3: Plant the tree

Carefully remove the tree from its container and gently loosen the roots. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil. Make sure the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the container. Tamp down the soil around the tree to remove any air pockets.

Step 4: Water the tree

After planting, give the tree a good watering. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, for the first few weeks while the tree establishes its roots. After that, tea olives are fairly drought-tolerant and only need to be watered during extended periods of dry weather.

Step 5: Mulch around the tree

Add a layer of mulch around the tree to help conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Organic mulch, like pine needles or leaves, works best. Avoid using rocks or gravel as they can reflect too much heat and damage the tree's roots.

Step 6: Prune as needed

Tea olives are relatively low-maintenance and only need to be pruned once a year after flowering. This will help promote new growth and keep the tree looking its best. If the tree becomes too dense, thin out some of the branches to improve air circulation and prevent pest and disease problems.

With a little bit of care and attention, tea olive trees can provide you with lovely, fragrant flowers for many years to come. Follow these steps for planting and you'll soon have a beautiful addition to your garden.