Species holly olive
bluish-black, small, elongated fruits with shiny, dark-green, ovate leaves, and brown, woody stems

holly olive

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is an evergreen shrub similar to the holly bush. It is widely grown for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. The sweet-smelling flowers usually appear in early spring. The holly olive is popular in topiaries and hedges and can reach up to 8 feet in height and width in the right conditions. Hardy and low-maintenance, it tolerates a wide range of soil types and does not require frequent pruning. It is also salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal gardens. Rich in wildlife and beautiful when in bloom, the holly olive is sure to brighten up any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Autumn

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

yellow,orange,olive Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Water holly olive plants deeply but infrequently. Water when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry. Give plants a good soaking—approximately 1 inch of water—once a week, or longer if temperatures are cool. Avoid overwatering; waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.

sunlight

The holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is an attractive shrub that grows best in sunny, well-drained areas. It is cold-tolerant and does best in full sunlight or part shade. In order to promote flowering and a dense, healthy growth habit, it should be grown in sun for about 6 hours per day. If the holly olive is planted in a shady location, it will grow but may become leggy with less full flower production. In areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade is recommended to protect the foliage from drying out and scorching.

pruning

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is a plant species that requires regular pruning for proper growth. Pruning should be done every 1-2 years in spring or early summer months. The purpose of pruning is to encourage new growth and reduce the size of the plant. The most important aspect is to remove unhealthy, weak, or broken branches and used pruners or loppers for a precise and clean cut. As a general rule, prune only a third of the total shrub. It is important to not to cut back more than that or it could have a negative effect on the overall health and growth of the plant. It’s also helpful to remove any dead twigs and prune away any crossed branches, as this will help improve air circulation and sunlight penetration through the canopy. Additionally, if needed, thin out the inside of the shrub. This will give the plant an overall better shape and aid in creating a more attractive appearance.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The Osmanthus heterophyllus, or holly olive, typically begins to produce fruit in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Osmanthus heterophyllus typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The Osmanthus heterophyllus, or holly olive, typically begins to produce fruit in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map