Holly-leaved Osmanthus 'Purpureus'

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' is a striking evergreen shrub that provides a unique alternative to traditional green hedging. Its most remarkable feature is the young foliage, which emerges a deep, translucent black-purple, gradually maturing to a dark, lustrous green with a purple cast. The leaves are small and sharply toothed, very similar in appearance to holly, which provides an excellent deterrent. In autumn, it produces clusters of tiny white flowers that are remarkably fragrant, carrying a sweet, jasmine-like scent over long distances. Unlike many other purplish-leaved plants, 'Purpureus' maintains its dark colour well in partial shade, though it is most intense in full sun. It is very hardy (H5) and slow-growing, making it easy to maintain as a formal hedge between 1.5 and 2.5 metres tall. It thrives in any well-drained soil and is generally pest and disease-free. A prune in late spring is usually all that is required.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct.