Osmanthus heterophyllus
Holly olive, False holly, Holly tea olive
Also known as Osmanthus ilicifolius
- Height × spread
- 3m × 2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This shrub is more generally seen in its showier variegated forms. The species makes a large dome shaped shrub clad in small leaves that are likened to a holly. The leaves are held opposite each other on the stems, whereas in holly the leaves are held alternately. The leaves are coloured a dark glossy green and are generally edged with spined teeth. It flowers in autumn when it produces masses of tiny sweetly fragrant white flowers. It makes a good dense bush and is an excellent background or hedging plant. Of course, when trimmed as a hedge the flowers tend to be sacrificed. This likes any well drained soil in a sunny or partly shaded site. It stands around 3m (10ft) in height with a 2m (7ft) spread as a shrub, but, if grown on a single stem as a tree can achieve 8m (26ft) or more.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, floral-jasmine
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 3m
- Spread
- 2m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Hedge, Structural
- Walls
- West, East facing
- Deer
- May be nibbled by deer in winter
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Hedges · Planting
Suitable for an informal hedge
If left to grow naturally this is a hedge that has an informal growth habit that gives it a natural, or some may say, 'untidy' look.
Hedges · Planting
Hedge clipping reduces flowers
If clipped for a hedge, there will be few flowers. The plant will only flower if left to grow freely. This may be acceptable if an informal hedge is required.
Found in
More Osmanthus
Osmanthus delavayi
Delavay tea olive
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'
Holly olive, False holly, Holly tea olive
Osmanthus x burkwoodii
Burkwood's sweet olive
Osmanthus
Devil's wood, Sweet olive, Chinese holly
Osmanthus armatus
Armed devil's wood
Osmanthus decorus
Ornamental tea olive
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Aureomarginatus'
Holly olive, False holly, Holly tea olive
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Gulftide'
Holly olive, False holly, Holly tea olive