Is Holly osmanthus hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Holly osmanthus be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Holly osmanthus be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 1 m between plants. For a hedge, allow 2 plants per metre.

When does Holly osmanthus flower?

Flowering: September–November, white.

How much water does Holly osmanthus need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Holly osmanthus cost?

It sells for roughly €5.90 to €43 in local shops, depending on size.

Holly osmanthus

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Holly osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.90.

Illustration of Holly osmanthus — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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 at a time when little else blooms. It grows slowly and takes pruning well, so it suits a specimen spot, a clipped hedge or a large pot. Plant it in a sheltered place out of winter sun and wind, in moist but well-drained soil, because its tolerance of hard frost is limited.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it is at the edge of its hardiness: it is reliable down to about -18 °C, and in colder winters, especially in windy, sunny, exposed spots, the leaves scorch and shoots die back, although it usually resprouts in spring. Protect young plants with mulch and a cover in their first winters, and avoid frost pockets. Variegated cultivars are more tender. Pests are few: scale, aphids and occasionally vine weevil.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D September–November, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	2.5–6 m × 2–6 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	September–November, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-30 cm	approx. €13
40-60 cm	approx. €43
size not stated	approx. €5.90 – €23

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Plants for screening Evergreen plants Plants for containers Low-maintenance shrubs Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

Guide on the topic

Fast-growing hedges: how much each grows in a year The fastest hedge plant is the Leyland cypress, growing about 90 cm a year, followed by cherry laurel 'Novita', firethorn and western red cedar at about 50 cm a year, then privet at 40 cm. How long a 180 cm hedge takes to screen depends more on the size of plant you buy: several years from small plants, one or two summers from large ones, but at many times the price per metre. The tables use the current shop prices in your country.

Compare with similar plants

Holly osmanthus vs Firethorn Holly osmanthus vs Laurustinus