Holly-leaf osmanthus

With very sharp, spiky, shiny, holly-like leaves, Holly-leaf osmanthus very closely resembles the invasive English holly without the aggressive tendencies. New leaves appear red and mature to green. There are also variegated varieties of this plant that have yellow and green speckled leaves. Flowers are small white and extremely fragrant. The blooms appear at the base of leaves in the winter months, followed by glossy black fruits. Holly-leafed osmanthus tolerates heavy pruning and can be shaped as a hedge and is low maintenance. This plant tolerates heavy, moist soils and sun to part shade.