Osmanthus heterophyllus

RHS Plant Profile
holly olive

Other common names

Chinese holly, false holly

Synonyms

Osmanthus ilicifolius
Osmanthus aquifolium

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained or Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Oleaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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