Overview

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Osmanthus, part of the Oleaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, hedging and screens and wall side borders. It is native to Japan, Korea and China.

About

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' (holly olive 'Purpureus') is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Osmanthus genus, which comprises about 30 species mostly native to eastern Asia. This cultivar grows to a height of 2.5 to 4 metres with a spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres, reaching full size over 10 to 20 years. It thrives in a variety of soil types and pH levels, preferring well-drained conditions, and can be grown in full sun or partial shade with exposure ranging from sheltered to exposed. 'Purpureus' is low maintenance and offers seasonal interest through summer, autumn, and winter.

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, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

2.5-4 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Woodland gardens, Hedging and screens, Wall side borders

Native to

Japan, Korea, China

Fragrance

Mildly fragrant flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Low maintenance once established.

Pruning

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged growth.

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions