Gulftide False Holly

Light Needs

Full Shade

(Less Than 2 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

8-10 Feet

Mature Spread

4-5 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 8

The Gulftide False Holly or Osmanthus 'Gulftide' offers year-round color and texture and requires little attention. This plant has a pyramidal form and deep green, prickly foliage, strikingly similar to true holly. The glossy leaves retain their bold green hue all year long for consistent color. Small white flowers bloom in the fall, giving off a delicate and sweet fragrance. 

This medium-sized shrub is at home in a bed or border. Plant the Gulftide False Holly in a space that needs color or coverage of an eye-sore. This evergreen makes an excellent foundation planting. Deer leave this plant alone, so it is a good choice for areas with large deer populations. Grow the Gulftide False Holly as a perennial in zones 6 through 8.

Gulftide False Holly Care

This false holly is a shade-loving plant, so the ideal spot will receive no more than 4 hours of daily sunlight. Plant it in rich soil that is moist and well drained. This plant is drought tolerant once established but will perform best with regular water during the summer, especially during a dry period. 

Feed Gulftide False Holly using a balanced plant food in the spring. Pruning is unnecessary, but you can trim the branches to maintain a tidy look.

Gulftide False Holly Spacing

This festive, upright plant will reach 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. Shrubs can be spaced 5 to 7 feet apart for creating a border or colorful hedge.