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Osmanthus heterophyllus - (G.Don.)P.S.Green.

Common Name

Holly Olive

Family

Oleaceae

Synonyms

O. aquifolium. O. illicifolius. Ilex heterophyllus. Olea illicifolia.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

In evergreen forests from the lowlands to elevations of 600 metres[275].

Range

E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics

An evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft).
It is hardy to zone 6. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Sep to October. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required)The plant is not self-fertile.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses
None known

Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally. None known

Other Uses
Hedge; Wood; Hedge. The plant takes kindly to pruning and makes a dense hedge or screen[11, 29, 182]. Any trimming is best carried out in mid-summer[188]. Wood. Used for small furniture, toys etc[46, 61].

Cultivation details

Prefers a good loamy soil[1], but succeeds in any soil, including chalk, in sun or part shade[11, 184]. Dislikes unduly exposed conditions but succeeds in windier conditions than most other members of this genus[200]. Hardy to about -15°c[184], but plants are sometimes affected by severe prolonged frosts[1]. The form 'Purpureus' is said to be the hardiest variety[184]. Plants are very tolerant of being transplanted, moving well even when quite large[182]. The flowers are deliciously scented but plants only occasionally fruit in Britain[182]. If plants are clipped after flowering they will flower more freely each year[200]. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[182].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[200]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[113]. The seed usually takes 6 - 18 months to germinate, it should be pricked out into individual pots when it is large enough to handle. Grow the plants on for their first winter in the greenhouse and plant them out in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken at the end of July, in a frame with bottom heat[11]. Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 7 - 12cm with a heel, September/October in a cold frame. A good percentage. Plant out in the spring 18 months later[78]. Layering in spring[200] or autumn[78]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[78].

Expert comment

Author
(G.Don.)P.S.Green.

Botanical References
11200266

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[11]Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.

A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.

[29]Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens.

A small but informative booklet giving details of all the hedging plants being grown in the R.H.S. gardens at Wisley in Surrey.

[46]Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants.

An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader.

[61]Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man.

Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[78]Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.

A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.

[113]Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation.

A very detailed book on propagating trees. Not for the casual reader.

[182]Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos.

Contains a wide range of plants with a brief description, mainly of their ornamental value but also usually of cultivation details and varieties.

[184]Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs.

Excellent photographs and a terse description of 1900 species and cultivars.

[188]Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.

[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[275] Flora of Japan

An on-line version of the flora - an excellent resource.

Readers comment

Elizabeth H.
Graham Vine	Thu Jan 4 2007

I am much obliged for your most helpful web page about this subject as mine has suffered a sad decline during this year just passed. It seems most likely that lack of water at a critical period may have killed it off as it is planted upon a raised bed in our garden's NW corner and, until this year, has flourished there. The soil in this bed is a fairly light loam much dressed with good compost, commercially produced, from a local large scale composting plant run by Onyx Recycling so our Osmanthus has been well cared for in that respect and moisture retention in the raised bed has been very good. It seems that, this year, due to an even dryer growing season and a hosepipe ban, these precautions were insufficient and the plant has, progressively, wilted and died, branch by branch. The sole remaining branch is now in terminal decline ! As it is a much loved plant both by us and our small birds, replacement is a high priority. We shall, clearly, have to pay much closer attention to the moisture content of the soil in this raised bed and not assume that, because it is located in this dampest corner of our garden that this will ensure its well-being. On another tack altogether, I was amused to read your comment upon Usher's book having a sexist title. Whilst I believe you are guilty of over-reaction, I am sure you are right that there is a deficiency in our vocabulary because there is no adequate, generic, name in English for humanity as a whole. I would be content with "Man" myself if the male specific were to be changed to "hemale" as opposed to "female and, perhaps, as a counter to "woman", masculinity were emphasised by some suitably masculine organ-related identifier, such as "penman" or even "sperman". Does this appeal to you, perhaps ? Whatever - I shall add your webpage to my Favourites. Many thanks.

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Subject : Osmanthus heterophyllus

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