holly olive

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus') prefers a moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out. This species should receive 1-2 waterings per week during the warmer months, making sure to thoroughly saturate the soil. In cooler months, it is best to water the holly olive every 2-3 weeks. During periods of extreme heat and drought, it is important to water more frequently, as the soil may dry more quickly. It is best to water the holly olive in the morning and make sure to avoid overhead watering. Check the soil regularly to ensure adequate moisture.

Holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus') requires partial to full sun (at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to thrive and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7-11. Holly Olive does best in areas without extreme heat, but adequate sun will help it develop its fully-variegated foliage of green and yellow. This plant prefers partial shade or a light dappled shade in hotter climates. During the summer months, it can be placed in an area that receives some morning sun and afternoon shade. Holly olive should be protected from strong winds to maintain its full, dense habit.

The holly olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus') is a slow growing evergreen shrub that can be pruned when needed to keep its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done lightly; no more than 1/3 of the overall canopy should be removed at any 1 time. It is best to prune back stems just above a leaf node or a bud so new shoots form. Depending on the size of the shrub, some heavy pruning may need to be done to give it a more compact shape. When pruning, having sharp pruning shears and a compost pile nearby can help in making the task simpler and cleaner. Discard any diseased or dead branches, and clean the shears after each cut with rubbing alcohol or diluted bleach. Remove any suckers and any crossed branches that rub against 1 another. It is also important to cut off any fruits or flowers that have dried up and turned brown as they will take energy away from the plant. Remember to never prune more than 1/3 of the shrub at any 1 point in time; this ensures that the shrub remains healthy and is not overly stressed. If further pruning is needed, wait until the following spring.