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ShrubsSynonym

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

Synonyms
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'sPg-3-021'
Osmanthus heterophyllus Party Lights
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H5
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

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

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