Happy Urban Dirt

When Christmas comes around, it is common to buy a typical Christmas plant, such as holly. However, for some time now, so-called “fraudulent holly” has been available in stores. Did you know it could be Osmanthus heterophyllus?

Want to know more about this plant and the care it needs? Well, here we have prepared a guide so you have all the information you need about it.

What does Osmanthus heterophyllus look like?

As we said, Osmanthus heterophyllus is more commonly known as Chinese holly. Its name, Osmanthus, comes from two Greek words: osme, which means scent; and anthos, which means flower. Hence another name it might be called is scented flower. Now heterophyllus also comes from Latin, and that in turn from Greek, which gives us hetero, so variegated; and phyllys as a leaf.

This can already lend a hand you, as it is a shrub (although some are classified as a tree) with variegated leaves. With good care it can easily reach 6 meters in height. and perhaps the most characteristic are its leaves, which are opposite, apical and oblong. They can be from 3 to 6 centimetres long and their edges will be serrated. In fact, they often have miniature serrations that, if you are not careful, can scratch you. They are shadowy green in front and lighter in back.

As for the flowers, they are white. and, as their name suggests, are very scented. They consist of about 4 petals each. They are not very gigantic, only about 6 mm. They will grow into fruits that will be round and blue, not black (not red, as you might expect).

Although it is commonly called “Chinese holly,” the truth is that its origin is not in China, but in Japan. And while it was previously not uncomplicated to obtain, it can now be found almost everywhere in the world.

Osmanthus heterophyllus care

Do you have Osmanthus heterophyllus at home? Did you buy it believing it was holly and discover it wasn’t? Don’t worry. In general, Chinese holly is also very uncomplicated to care for. Here we leave a summary of everything you need to consider.

location and temperature

Let’s start with the best place on this floor. In its natural habitat, it is in partial shade or full sun (depending on the climate). And in your home, you will have to do the same. If you live in a very heated place, it will do better in partial shade so that it does not parched out too much; on the other hand, if it is hot or frosty, being in full sun will lend a hand it grow. Yes, indeed, give it space because if you put it in a planted garden it will grow (maybe not to 6 meters). In a pot you will be able to control its growth more.

As for temperature, the ideal is between 10 and 20ºC. But in general it will be resistant to heat, as well as frost (as long as they are not intense or do not last long).

Subsoil

Osmanthus heterophyllus likes soil wealthy in humus, that it remains slightly soggy and additionally airy, i.e. with drainage. For this reason, we recommend making a mixture of pumice (for drainage), earthworm humus and a little bit of good quality soil.

If possible, try to keep your soil pH between 5 and 7.5. If it is outside of these ranges, you can add a chemical or natural agent to correct it.

Irrigation

When Osmanthus heterophyllus is a newborn specimen, which we usually buy in stores, the need for watering is much greater than in the case of an adult. This means that At least for the first year it should be watered regularlyespecially from spring to fall. Generally, watering should be done 2-3 times a week (if watered, if humid, skip it).

It is true that the soil needs to be soggy, but not the roots, and if you overwater, you will contribute to their rot. Therefore, water only when you notice that it needs it.

After this year and in subsequent years you will see that Osmanthus heterophyllus tolerates periods of drought.

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This plant does that needs some compost, especially when planting (manure or something similar) and then in early spring (which won’t hurt).

You can exploit liquid fertilizer with irrigation water or fertilize once a year with manure and once with mineral fertilizer after the end of winter.

pruning

Although it is normal to prune the Osmanthus heterophyllus plant for a few months, especially during the growing season, to control its growth, it is advisable to prune it a little more heavily every two years to stimulate its growth.

Plagues and diseases

You should know that Osmanthus heterophyllus is quite resistant to most common pests and diseases (spider mites, mealybugs, aphids…), so you don’t have to worry about it.

When it comes to diseases, the same thing happens. If you don’t take any steps to weaken it, it shouldn’t get ailing. Still, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to it from time to time, especially if you have more plants, because they can infect each other, and this can be problematic if the pest multiplies or becomes very forceful.

Multiplication

Finally, if you want to propagate Osmanthus heterophyllus, you can do it by cuttings. Of course, recent ones are not worth it, but those that are already a year or two elderly (those with semi-hard wood). This way you will have a better chance of success (although we warn you that it is not uncomplicated). It must be at least 10 centimeters long and have at least one or two leaves.

In this case, Once they have been trimmed and the wound has healed, they can be placed in water until they grow roots. You can also plant the plant in a pot straight away and leave it alone until it starts to germinate.

Now all you need to do is have Osmanthus heterophyllus and provide it with the right care so that it can grow. Do you dare?