Osmanthus heterophyllus Party Lights
A compact, upright, evergreen shrub to around 1.5m in height, with holly-like glossy leaves which, together with the stems, emerge bright pink in spring. The leaves mature to pale-orange yellow then green. As more growth emerges, the colours are all visible on the shrub at the same time. Small clusters of small, fragrant, tubular, white flowers appear in late summer to autumn, followed by blue-black berries. An ideal choice for hedging, coastal gardens or as an evergreen specimen shrub for year-round interest
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Orange Pink Yellow Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Orange Pink Yellow Variegated | ||
| Autumn | White | Green Orange Pink Yellow Variegated | ||
| Winter | Green Orange Pink Yellow Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; good for woodland gardens
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 9; prune hedges in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
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