Photo of Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu' foliage by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu'

Also Known As

  • False Holly
  • Holly Olive

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 7a-9b

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu' plant details

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu' is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green, variegated and white foliage. In fall and winter white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: oleaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in fall and winter
Uses: easy-to-grow, hedge, leathery leaves, screen, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu'

USDA Zones: 7a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Compact (to only 4'), this uncommon and very pretty cultivar has narrow puckered leaves which are streaked and blotched with white and the intoxicating fragrance of its small white autumn blooms. S-PSh/M
Has narrow leaves with a broad, creamy band around the edge. This O. heterophyllus has fewer thorns than most of the other cultivars. Seems to be a slow grower.

Gardening facts about Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu' plant

How to Grow Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Kembu'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • winter
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Osmanthus for your garden

aka Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Tricolor', False Holly, Goshiki Holly Osmanthus, Tricolor Osmanthus

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 4'-8'

Width: 4'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka False Holly, Holly Olive, Purple-leaf False Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 8'-15'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Purpureus' foliage by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka False Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-8'

Width: 5'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Rotundifolius' flower, foliage by Kenpei
View Plant

aka Osmanthus 'Ogon', False Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 6'-10'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Ogon' foliage by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Osmanthus 'Burkwoodii', x Osmarea burkwoodii, False Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 5'-8'

Width: 6'-8'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Osmanthus x burkwoodii flower, foliage by Wouter Hagens
View Plant

More Options

+31 more Osmanthus
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