© Great Plant Picks
Plant Details:
Category:
Deciduous Shrubs & Broadleaf Evergreens
Height:
8 in. - 15 in.
Width:
6 in. - 10 in.
Zones:
7a - 9b
Exposure:
Part Shade
© Great Plant Picks
© Great Plant Picks
Dancing Oaks Nursery, Inc
Common Name: Holly-Leaf Osmanthus, Purple-Leaf False Holly, Holly Olive, Holly Tea Olive
Sometimes mistaken for holly, this rounded EG of dense bushy habit (to 10') has the added bonus of small fragrant white flowers in fall ; new growth which is deep purple; hardier than the species. Sun-PSh/Med.
Purpleleaf false holly is an extremely tough and versatile evergreen shrub. This interesting selection was chosen for its intense, deep-purple new growth in spring. The coloring is the deepest in full sun, resulting in inky purple tones that will heighten the colors of other spring-blooming plants. Once it is well established, it produces tiny - but powerfully fragrant - flowers in fall. The heavy perfume carries well, even on the cool autumn air. False hollies respond well to pruning and can make a dense, impenetrable hedge. If allowed to grow naturally, mature specimens develop into elegant, small, multistemmed trees.
The false holly is very easy to grow in full sun to deep shade, although it will flower less in more shade and the purple new growth will be only a brief blush. It prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand and clay. It is drought tolerant once established, but would appreciate occasional watering during dry weather, especially if in a sandy site. It can grow openly while it is young, particularly if it is in shade- light pruning can help keep this shrub dense in youth.
(Source: Great Plant Picks)
