About
Osmanthus armatus, the thorny holly olive, is a densely branched, upright to bushy shrub or small tree to 5 m with glossy, deep-green, holly-like leaves 15�20 cm long. Small but sweetly fragrant, white, tubular flowers appear in autumn in axillary clusters, followed on female plants by small, dark-purple to black, egg-shaped fruits. An ornamental and fragrant specimen for a sheltered, sunny garden.
About the genus
Osmanthus are evergreen shrubs or small trees with leathery, opposite leaves and small, usually intensely fragrant, tubular, white, yellow or orange flowers followed by ovoid, blue-black fruits. Popular specimen and hedging shrubs in sheltered gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrows in any well-drained soil, in full sun.
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring. Can also be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus