Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' (v)
variegated holly olive
A slow-growing, evergreen shrub to 2.5m tall with spiny, holly-like, grey-green leaves edged with creamy-white. Flowers produced in clusters, in summer and autumn, are small, white and fragrant and sometimes followed by blue-black fruits
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Cream Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Cream Grey Silver Green | Black Blue | |
| Winter | Cream Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 9; prune hedges in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.