Holly Olive, Holly osmanthus, Chinese Holly, Holly Tea Olive, False Holly
Osmanthus heterophyllus

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late fall, Mid fall. Form: Rounded, Upright or erect, Vase.

Osmanthus heterophyllus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 4

Where it is found

In evergreen forests from the lowlands to elevations of 600 metres.

E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plant takes kindly to pruning and makes a dense hedge or screen. Any trimming is best carried out in mid-summer. Wood. Used for small furniture, toys etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Pest tolerant, Hedge, Screen, Superior hedge, Specimen. Prefers a good loamy soil, but succeeds in any soil, including chalk, in sun or part shade. Dislikes unduly exposed conditions but succeeds in windier conditions than most other members of this genus. Hardy to about -15°c, but plants are sometimes affected by severe prolonged frosts. The form 'Purpureus' is said to be the hardiest variety. Plants are very tolerant of being transplanted, moving well even when quite large. The flowers are deliciously scented but plants only occasionally fruit in Britain. If plants are clipped after flowering they will flower more freely each year. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later. Layering in spring or autumn. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. aquifolium. O. illicifolius. Ilex heterophyllus. Olea illicifolia.