Can Tea Olive Be Planted in a Pot?

Tea olive, also known as Osmanthus, is a small evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the olive family. It is native to eastern Asia and widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers and ornamental foliage. One question that many gardeners ask is whether tea olive can be planted in a pot. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some tips for growing tea olive in a container.

Why Plant Tea Olive in a Pot?

There are several reasons why you might want to plant tea olive in a pot instead of in the ground. One of the main reasons is that tea olive can be a large shrub or small tree, growing up to 20 feet tall and wide. If you have limited space in your garden or want to grow tea olive on a balcony or patio, planting it in a pot can be a good solution.

Another advantage of growing tea olive in a pot is that you can control the soil moisture and nutrient levels more easily. Tea olive prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. In a pot, you can select the right soil mix for tea olive and monitor the soil moisture and nutrients to ensure optimal growth.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in planting tea olive in a pot is to choose the right container. Look for a pot that is large enough to accommodate the root system of the plant and has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. A pot that is 16 to 20 inches in diameter and 14 to 16 inches deep is suitable for a young tea olive plant.

You can use a plastic, ceramic, or terracotta pot for tea olive, depending on your preference. Terracotta pots are porous and allow water and air to circulate more freely but can dry out faster than plastic or ceramic pots. Choose a pot that matches the style of your garden or home decor and complements the foliage color of tea olive, which can range from dark green to variegated yellow-green.

Planting Tea Olive in a Pot

To plant tea olive in a pot, fill the bottom of the pot with gravel or broken pottery to improve drainage. Then, add a layer of soil mix that is rich in organic matter and has a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Remove the tea olive plant from its nursery pot and loosen the roots gently with your fingers. Place the plant in the center of the pot and add soil mix around the roots, pressing it down firmly. Water the plant thoroughly and add more soil mix if needed to level the surface.

Place the pot in a sunny or partially shaded location that is protected from strong winds and frost. Water the tea olive plant deeply once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and has an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 every two to four weeks during the growing season, from spring to fall.

Pruning Tea Olive in a Pot

To keep the tea olive plant in a compact and bushy shape, you can prune it regularly. Use sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches and shape the plant as desired. As tea olive blooms on old wood, avoid pruning it in the fall or winter, as this can remove the flower buds for the next season. Instead, prune tea olive in the late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges.

Conclusion

In summary, tea olive can be planted in a pot and grown successfully as long as you choose the right container, soil mix, and location. By following these tips and providing the right care, you can enjoy the fragrant flowers and attractive foliage of tea olive in a small garden, balcony, or patio space.