Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’

Description

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Purpureus’

A distinguished evergreen shrub that commands attention with its striking purple-tinged new growth. This handsome cultivar of false holly typically reaches a height of 2-3 metres over time, forming a dense, upright structure that provides year-round interest. The young leaves emerge in striking purple hues before maturing to a deep, glossy green, creating a spectacular contrast throughout the growing season.

The holly-like foliage features spiny margins that soften as the plant matures, making this Osmanthus an excellent choice for security hedging whilst remaining more manageable than traditional holly. In autumn, clusters of small, highly fragrant white flowers appear amongst the foliage, filling the air with their sweet perfume.

This robust shrub thrives in both full sun and partial shade, adapting well to most well-draining soils. Perfect for formal hedging, specimen planting, or as part of a mixed border, ‘Purpureus’ offers structure and sophistication to gardens year-round. Its slow growth rate makes it particularly suitable for smaller spaces where controlled size is essential.