Osmanthus heterophyllus aka Chinese Holly

Taxonomy

Osmanthus heterophyllus, also known as holly osmanthus, holly olive, or false holly, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. It is native to eastern Asia, specifically central and southern Japan (Honshū, Kyūshū, Shikoku, and the Ryukyu Islands) and Taiwan. The evergreen shrub has dark and leathery foliage with toothed edges and blooms in the late fall into winter. The plant produces inconspicuous flowers that are highly aromatic and pungently sweet, reminiscent of jasmine, orange blossoms, or peaches. Additionally, growing Osmanthus plants as a hedge creates a wall of fragrance, and passers-by will wonder at the source of the delightful scent. Tea olive cultivation is easy because they require little pruning and are relatively pest-free. False Holly can grow up to 15 feet tall and is used in hedges, screens, foundations, barriers, or as a specimen plant.

Common names

Chinese Holly, Holly Osmanthus, Holly Olive

How to care for Chinese Holly

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Chinese Holly, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Chinese Holly should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Chinese Holly loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Chinese Holly thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Holly Olive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Chinese Holly plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Chinese Holly is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Chinese Holly’s native range is E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.


More info:
Wikipedia