Variegated Holly Olive

A beautiful, silver-edged, variegated shrub, Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus is a medium-sized, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a neat, pyramidal habit. The spiny, holly-like leaves are glossy green, beautifully edged with silvery-white. In early to mid-autumn small, fragrant white flowers, appear; these are sometimes, but not always, followed by small black berries. Holly olive Variegatus is one of the hardier osmanthuses; it brings a welcome splash of light to woodland plantings or makes a lively hedge.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, particularly late summer and autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: up to 10’ (3m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m)