Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’
purple-leaf false holly

© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
Outstanding Qualities
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.
Quick Facts
Plant Type: shrub
Foliage Type: evergreen
Plant Height: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Width/Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 15 ft. 0 in. (4.57 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 to 9
Flower Color: white
Sun/Light Exposure: full sun or light to deep shade
Water Requirements: drought tolerant when established, but appreciates occasional watering
Wildlife Associations: birds
Colors & Combos
Great Color Contrasts: silver, gold, variegated, bronze
Great Color Partners: dark green, chartreuse, blue
- Culture Notes
- 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.