Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Osmanthus heterophyllus or Holly osmanthus

The genus Osmanthus, family Oleaceae, comprises 40 species of shrubs and trees native to Mexico, the Far East and the eastern United States. Some species are: Osmanthus heterophyllus, Osmanthus fragans, Osmanthus armatus, Osmanthus delavayi.

Common names: Holly osmanthus, Holly olive, False holly. This species is native to eastern Asia in central and southern Japan and Taiwan.

They are compact evergreen shrubs that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have leathery, opposite leaves, oval-lanceolate in shape, spiny margin and dark green color. The flowers are small, perfumed and appear in white axillary clusters. They bloom in spring.

They are used to create bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in large pots.

Osmanthus heterophyllus grows in full sun or semi-shade exposures. The ideal annual average temperature is 10-20 ºC (50-68 ºF). They resist occasional frosts.

The soil must be well drained, rich in humus, and able to retain moisture. The transplant is done in autumn or spring, watering the substrate a lot before planting.

Water moderately all year long, waiting until the substrate has completely dried.

Fertilize with manure at the time of planting and with mineral fertilizer at the end of winter.

Prune every 2 years to maintain a compact appearance.

They are shrubs resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated by cuttings in late summer.

Images of the shrub Osmanthus heterophyllus or Holly osmanthus