Overview
Osmanthus heterophyllus is a bushy shrub in the genus Osmanthus, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4.0 m tall. Osmanthus heterophyllus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include hedging, screening and foundation planting. It is native to Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan and Vietnam.
About
Osmanthus heterophyllus, variously known as holly osmanthus, holly olive, and false holly, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae, native to eastern Asia in central and southern Japan and Taiwan.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmanthus heterophyllus
About the genus
Osmanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Oleaceae. Most of the species are native to eastern Asia with a few species from the Caucasus, New Caledonia, and Sumatra. Osmanthus has been known in China since ancient times with the earliest writings coming from the Warring States period; the book Shanhai Jing: Nanshan Jing states: "The first peak of the Que Mountain range is Mount Zhaoyao, rising by the western sea, where many osmanthus trees grow, and where rich veins of metals and jade lie hidden."
Wikipedia contributors, "Osmanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Osmanthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Osmanthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- full sun, partial shade
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Osmanthus heterophyllus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4.0 m
- Suggested uses
- hedging, screening, foundation planting
- Native to
- Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan, Vietnam
- Fragrance
- fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Osmanthus heterophyllus
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layering.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Osmanthus heterophyllus?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; plant in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Osmanthus heterophyllus?
Osmanthus heterophyllus prefers full sun. It suits full sun and partial shade positions.
What soil does Osmanthus heterophyllus need?
Osmanthus heterophyllus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Osmanthus heterophyllus?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
How big does Osmanthus heterophyllus grow?
Osmanthus heterophyllus reaches a height of 4.0 m.
Is Osmanthus heterophyllus hardy in the UK?
Osmanthus heterophyllus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Osmanthus heterophyllus?
Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; layering.
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