Osmanthus delavayi

Osmanthus delavayi, also called false holly, is a large evergreen shrub with a compact, bushy shape and strongly arching branches. The leaves are dark green, glossy, leathery and ovate, the underside is lighter in color, rather gray-green. This false holly blooms from April to May, with abundant, small, white, sweetly scented flowers in clusters. It likes a position in full sun or partial shade, and does well in almost any soil that is not too wet. It requires little maintenance, is a slow grower, very hardy and occasionally small, blue-black fruits follow in the autumn. It is a good bee and coastal plant, disease resistant and air pollution tolerant.