Practical
Plants

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Holly Olive

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Osmanthus genus in the family Oleaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Oleaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
4 m
Spread
4 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant takes kindly to pruning and makes a dense hedge or screen[2][10][4]. Any trimming is best carried out in mid-summer[6]. Wood. Used for small furniture, toys etc[11][12].

Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.
Habitat
In evergreen forests from the lowlands to elevations of 600 metres[9].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a coldframe[7]. Stored seed probably germinates best if it is given 3 months warm then 3 months cold stratification before sowing[3]. 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[2]. 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[13]. Layering in spring[7] or autumn[13]. Partially sever the layer leads in the following late summer and plant out in the autumn. High percentage[13].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a good loamy soil[1], but succeeds in any soil, including chalk, in sun or part shade[2][5]. Dislikes unduly exposed conditions but succeeds in windier conditions than most other members of this genus[7]. Hardy to about -15°c[5], but plants are sometimes affected by severe prolonged frosts[1]. The form 'Purpureus' is said to be the hardiest variety[5]. Plants are very tolerant of being transplanted, moving well even when quite large[4]. The flowers are deliciously scented but plants only occasionally fruit in Britain[4]. If plants are clipped after flowering they will flower more freely each year[7]. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩

  4. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  8. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

  9. Flora of Japan www.foj.info

    ↩

  10. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

    ↩

  11. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  12. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

  13. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

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