Holly osmanthus and Laurustinus are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, hedge, screening, flowers, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Osmanthus heterophyllus 2 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
An evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green, spiny leaves that look like holly, bearing tiny white flowers in autumn whose scent carries a long way…
Viburnum tinus 2 m × 2 m after 10 years
A Mediterranean evergreen viburnum with dark, glossy foliage that flowers from late autumn in mild winters, otherwise from late winter into spring:…
Laurustinus grows faster than Holly osmanthus.
Holly osmanthus is hardier: down to -18 °C, against -12 °C for Laurustinus.
Laurustinus tolerates drought better than Holly osmanthus.
Laurustinus is cheaper: about €12 at the size usually planted, against about €18 for Holly osmanthus.
|
Feature
|
Holly osmanthus
|
Laurustinus
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 2 m × 1.5 m | 2 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 2.5–6 m × 2–6 m | 1.8–3.6 m × 1.8–3 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) | down to -12 °C (USDA 8, RHS H5) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | September–November, white | November–May, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 120 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €18 | approx. €12 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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