False Holly

Osmanthus heterophyllus is a handsome evergreen shrub that bears a striking resemblance to holly, but with leaves arranged in opposite pairs rather than spirally. These leaves are dark, glossy green, and leathery, with sharp, spiny margins that offer an excellent deterrent for boundaries. One of the greatest assets of this plant is its incredibly fragrant, tiny white flowers that appear in late autumn. Their scent is sweet and can carry quite a distance on a still day, providing a sensory treat just as the garden is beginning to wind down for winter. It is a slow-growing plant with a dense, bushy habit, making it perfect for a low-maintenance, long-term hedge. It is very hardy (H5) and grows well in sun or partial shade, and in most well-drained, fertile soils. Because it is slow-growing, it only requires minimal pruning in spring to maintain its shape and size, which is typically 2–3 metres over many years.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct, Nov.