I lost my Osmanthus (sweet olive) this past Winter. Granted, this past Winter was its first and the Winter locally was extremely severe. You absolutely can keep it alive as a containerized plant. It would be fine outside from about late March until December.--I wouldn't risk it in the ground--not with the CRAZY Winters the East coast and SOUTH have been getting lately.--Try to keep it very cool when you bring it inside.

Cool. I think I can do that, if the plant doesn't mind not getting too big. It can go in the unheated part of the garage. Will it be fragrant?

Even small plants are very aromatic. They are also relatively slower growing. Keep those Winter temps above freezing for one growing in a container. Is there light in that garage? There is, by the way, a species of Osmanthus that is completely Winter hardy in the North. I know its flowers are also aromatic but don't know how it compares to O. fortunei.

Wonderful to hear, thanks! Yes, there is light. I winter a geranium in a heavy pot by the South-facing windows and they seem to enjoy it. I'll look the variety you're thinking of. Now to do some shopping!

Yes.. I have a small one that's growing nicely.. it was covered in flowers for a few weeks.. smelling about as nice as anything know... kind of like the totality of a summers evening n a field of honeysuckle... it's that strong..
yes... I have it as a zone 7 plant... but I haven't left mine outside for a winter yet.. I've one n more shade.. and it's slower.. these here like the day long full sun..

Yes... one made it through the winter outside... I think I lost one bringing it inside... everything does better in higher humidity than we have here inside in the winter