Description
Osmanthus fragrans also known as fragrant osmanthus, tea olive, or guìhuā (桂花) in Chinese has thick, glossy leaves that emerge flushed with copper and red. The highly fragrant flowers emerge white and often age to creamy yellow. The edible dried flowers are popular in China. They are used as an herbal tea or as an addition to black or green teas called guìhuāchá (桂花茶). They are also used to make jams, cakes, dumplings, and liquor. Plant in a protected location that has good heat during the growing season which will encourage flowering.
