Osmanthus heterophyllus, holly-leaved osmanthus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Osmanthus heterophyllus

holly-leaved osmanthus

Oleaceae

Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and Taiwan

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m)
Width6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 9
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancelow

Overview

A dense, upright to rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) tall and 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) wide, though it can eventually reach 20 feet (6 m) or more with great age. Growth rate is slow to moderate, adding 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) per year. Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate to elliptical, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long, thick and leathery, glossy dark green. Leaf margins are variable (heterophyllous): juvenile and lower leaves are strongly spiny with 3-5 prominent spine-tipped teeth resembling holly (Ilex), while mature and upper leaves often become entire (smooth-edged) or with only 1-2 spines. This heterophylly — the presence of different leaf shapes on the same plant — gives the species its name. Flowers appear in October to November in small axillary clusters, each flower small, tubular, four-lobed, white, approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, with an intensely sweet, apricot-like fragrance. The autumn bloom period is distinctive among evergreen shrubs and provides late-season fragrance. Fruit is an ovoid drupe approximately 0.5 inches (13 mm) long, blue-black, ripening the following summer, produced sparsely. Distinguished from true holly (Ilex) by the opposite (vs. alternate) leaf arrangement and the fragrant autumn flowers. Hardy to approximately -5 to 5°F (-20 to -15°C).

Native Range

Native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and Taiwan. Found in evergreen broad-leaved forests and forest margins at low to moderate elevations, typically below 3,000 feet (900 m). Widely cultivated in Japan as a hedging and garden plant for centuries.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted as a formal or informal hedge at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing, as a foundation shrub, or as a holly substitute where the opposite leaf arrangement and autumn fragrance provide advantages. The dense, spiny foliage makes an effective security barrier. Suitable for topiary and formal clipping. Suitable for containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L). Tolerates urban pollution and coastal exposure.

How to Identify

Distinguished from true holly (Ilex) by the opposite leaf arrangement — holly leaves are alternate. Leaves are glossy, dark green, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long with variable margins: spiny on juvenile and lower foliage, often entire on mature upper foliage. The intensely fragrant white flowers in October to November are a key diagnostic feature, as very few evergreen shrubs bloom in autumn. Distinguished from O. delavayi by the much larger leaf size (1.5-2.5 inches vs. 0.5-1 inch) and the spiny leaf margins. Distinguished from O. × burkwoodii by the spiny leaves (O. × burkwoodii has finely toothed but not spiny margins) and the fall (vs. spring) bloom period.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread6' - 12'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Fall
Flowers from October to November in USDA zones 6-9. Small axillary clusters of white, four-lobed flowers, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, are produced along the stems. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Fragrance is intensely sweet with apricot-like notes, detectable from 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m), strongest on warm autumn days. Blue-black drupes approximately 0.5 inches (13 mm) long ripen the following June to July, produced sparsely.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

8-12 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to full shade in well-drained soil. Foliage density is best in full sun to part sun; in deep shade, growth becomes more open and leggy. Adapts to a wide range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought of 2-3 weeks. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. In zone 6, plant in a sheltered position protected from cold winter winds. No serious pest or disease problems. Scale insects may occasionally colonize stems; treat with horticultural oil if needed. The slow growth rate makes it low-maintenance once established.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth begins, or immediately after flowering in November. Responds well to shearing for formal hedging and topiary. Because flower buds form on current-season growth and bloom in autumn, spring pruning does not sacrifice the current year's bloom. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) is tolerated; regrowth is slow but reliable. Wear gloves when handling due to spiny foliage on lower and juvenile growth.

Pruning Schedule

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winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic