shrub · design plant record

Osmanthus heterophyllus

False holly

Dense evergreen foliage and small fragrant flowers for a broad screen.

Photographs show the source plant or captioned cultivar, season and setting. They do not document one of our illustrative garden layouts as a built project.

Height at maturity

2.44–6.1 m (8–20 ft)

Spread at maturity

2.13–6.1 m (7–20 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil

Source-reported USDA zones

7–9 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Fit it to the site

Moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade.

Spiny juvenile foliage and a potentially large width make it a poor unplanned squeeze beside a path.

Keep the care in the decision

Prune with care: removing old growth can reduce the following floral display.

Origin & safety checks

South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Confirm local native range and restrictions.

Pet safety and edible uses are not assessed; verify the exact botanical name with a suitable local authority.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.