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Osmanthus heterophyllus

holly olive

A large, dense, evergreen shrub, ultimately reaching 5m, with holly-like, dark green, leathery leaves with spiny edges, especially on young plants. Small clusters of small, fragrant, tubular, white flowers appear in late summer to autumn, followed by blue-black berries

Other common names
Chinese holly
false holly
Synonyms
Osmanthus ilicifolius
Osmanthus aquifolium
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn White Green Black Blue
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Oleaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Osmanthus can be evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually fragrant, tubular white, yellow or orange flowers with 4 lobes, followed by ovoid blue-black fruits

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Korea, Japan, Taiwan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained or moist but well-drained soil, in sun or part shade. Good for woodland gardens

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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