Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Gulftide' (False Holly)

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Gulftide' is a glossy, thorny cultivar of false holly, also referred to as holly olive, due to the similarity of its leaves to that of true hollies (genus Ilex) and its place in the olive family (Oleaceae). Growing to 8-10' tall and 7-9' wide, the 'Gulftide' cultivar is a moderate sized cultivar noted for large, broad, spiny leaves; since the straight species can grow to towering heights of up to 20' tall, this cultivar is a welcome addition to many landscapes with less available space.

'Gulftide' false holly is low maintenance and provides many of the same beneficial attributes as holly to a garden environment, and even improves upon a couple. Osmanthus heterophyllus produces small, inconspicuous, fragrant white flowers in the fall, which are a treat for pollinators and gardeners alike. Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Gulftide' grows best in full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. As an introduced species, glossy, evergreen foliage is pest and disease resistant, and tolerates deer, drought, and heat, making it a great choice as a low-maintenance hedge plant.

Note: Osmanthus heterophyllus has showed some signs of becoming an invasive species in some areas of the US. Although most cultivars of false holly do not produce the berries that allow them to easily spread, care should still be taken with choosing a good planting location.