What is a fragrant tea olive?

Fragrant tea olive is an evergreen bush or small tree with flat, oval leaves and a notably strong, perfume-like odor. It's native to Asia but is widely grown in North America as an outdoor ornamental plant.

The plant originally grew only in China, the Himalayas and Japan. It grows in USDA plant zones seven through 11, meaning that it prefers warmer climates such as those found in the American South. The source of the plant's distinct odor is its tiny white flowers, which bloom in the summer and fall. The plant gets its name from the Chinese practice of adding the flowers to brewed tea.