Holly Olive Osmanthus Heterophyllus Chinese Holly False Holly 4ft / 12 Litre

Description

I’ve had this Chinese holly for a few years now, and it’s grown into a solid, dense shrub. It’s got those holly-like leaves – dark green, leathery, with spiny edges, especially on the younger growth. The flowers are small, white, and a bit fragrant, showing up in late summer and autumn, then it puts out these little blue-black berries that look great in the garden. It’s a bit of a showstopper when the berries start to form.

The plant is in a 12-litre pot – about 28cm tall and 29cm wide – so it’s not too big to move around, and it’s already reached around 4ft tall with the pot. It’s grown in my garden in Rossendale, Lancashire, where it’s been happy in well-drained soil, whether it’s chalky or loamy. It likes full sun but doesn’t mind a bit of shade, and it’s tough – I’ve had winters down to -15°C and it’s survived fine.

It’s actually a bit of a hybrid – sometimes called False Holly or Chinese Holly – and belongs to the Oleaceae family. Native to places like Korea and Japan, it’s evergreen, so it stays green all year. I’ve grown it from a young plant, and it’s taken about 10–15 years to reach its full size, which is now around 4–8m tall and wide.

It’s been a real hit in the garden, especially when the berries start to develop. I’ve kept it in a spot that gets good exposure, and it’s grown well even in fairly dry conditions. The pot’s still in good shape, and it’s ready to go to someone who wants a bit of texture and year-round greenery.

I’m keeping it in Rossendale, Lancashire, so it’s not far if you’re local. It’s been a great addition to my outdoor space and I’m happy to part with it – it’s just not going to be in the same spot anymore. It’s priced at £54, so if you’re interested, just give me a shout.