Although the shiny and spiny dark green foliage of this Osmanthus does resemble that of holly, ‘Gulftide’s leaves appear opposite each other on the branches rather than alternating as those of holly do. Also, the cultivar’s clusters of tiny white autumn flowers boast a sweet, jasmine-like scent and are followed by black rather than red berries when the bush chooses to fruit, which reportedly doesn’t happen often. So you don’t need to fear a tidal wave of seedlings later!

This cultivar offers small, glossy leaves and dense growth.  It can grow to 8 feet in height and 5 feet in width in USDA zones 6-11.

Additional Information:

Culture:  Although it prefers fertile, moist, and acidic soil, holly olive will tolerate most soil types and thrive in partial shade as well as full sun. Its dense, compact growth and ease of culture makes it a good hedge or privacy screening plant. Since it blooms on old wood, it may not flower when young.

Heavy or Hvy trees shrubs is the distinction between the fullness and width of the plant. Heavy plants have been trimmed to promote the growth of the plant to be full and or wider then the non-heavy plant.