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Osmanthus heterophyllus (Holly Osmanthus)

Holly Osmanthus, Holly Olive, Chinese Holly, False Holly

Osmanthus heterophyllus, Holly Osmanthus, Holly Olive, Chinese Holly, False Holly, Fragrant Shrub, Fragrant Tree

Osmanthus heterophyllus (Holly Osmanthus) is a bushy evergreen shrub prized for its foliage of leathery, glossy, deep green leaves. The leaves vary in shape: they are holly-like with spiny margins when juvenile (resembling English Holly) and simple, elliptic or ovate when adult. Many people misidentify this shrub as holly, but the leaves are always opposite on Osmanthus rather than alternate. Blooming profusely in the fall and winter, the dainty clusters of tiny, wonderfully fragrant, white flowers are often hidden in the foliage. They are occasionally followed by berrylike, blue-black fruit. The dense growth habit and lush evergreen foliage make Holly Osmanthus an excellent choice for hedges, screens and specimen plants. A tough shrub that withstands drought, heat and charms the entire garden with its floral scent.

  • Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 7-9 ft. wide (210-270 cm). Clip off growing tips to maintain compact size and to encourage bushiness
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates heavy clays. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Generally pest and disease free.
  • Fairly low maintenance. Needs little or no regular pruning.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to the Japan.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Osmanthus
Common names Chinese Holly
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 7' - 9'
(210cm - 270cm)
Spacing 84" - 108"
(210cm - 270cm)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Osmanthus fragrans ‘Fudingzhu’ (Fragrant Olive)
Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive)
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’ (Holly Osmanthus)
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’ (Holly Osmanthus)
Osmanthus fragrans ‘Conger Yellow’ (Fragrant Olive)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Fall
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Oleaceae
Genus Osmanthus
Common names Chinese Holly
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8' - 10'
(240cm - 3m)
Spread 7' - 9'
(210cm - 270cm)
Spacing 84" - 108"
(210cm - 270cm)
Maintenance Low, Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Do I Need?
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