Maintenance Landscaping Design

False holly is an attractive evergreen plant that can be used as a hedge or specimen plant in the garden. It has glossy, dark green leaves that are holly-like in appearance, and small, white flowers in spring. False holly is a tough plant that is tolerant of poor soil and some drought.

Also called

• black cherry
  
• chokecherry
  
• cranberry
  
• crowberry
  
• currant

Good to Know

• False holly is not a true holly.
  
• It is a member of the genus Ilex, which also includes true hollies.
  
• False holly is native to East Asia, from Japan to China.
  
• It was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and has since been introduced to North America.
  
• False holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow to 10 m (33 ft) tall.
  
• The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) wide, with sharp spines along the margins.
  
• The flowers are white, 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) diameter, with four petals.
  
• The fruit is a red drupe, 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) diameter.
  
• False holly is often used as an ornamental plant, due to its attractive foliage and fruits.
  
• It is also used in bonsai.

Related plant:
False Heather

Planting Process

1. For false holly, first step is to find a location where the plant will receive partial sun to full sun exposure.
   
2. After finding the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
   
3. Next, mix some compost or other organic matter into the hole.
   
4. Set the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently as you go.
   
5. Water the false holly well, saturation is key to successful planting.
   
6. Once per week, water the plant deeply to encourage deep root growth.
   
7. Fertilize false holly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
   
8. Prune false holly as needed to keep it looking its best.
   
9. Keep an eye out for pests or diseases and take care of them as soon as possible.
   
10. Enjoy your false holly for many years to come!

Related plant:
Goshiki False Holly

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the false holly grows best in acidic, sandy soils with good drainage, but it is also tolerant of heavy clay and Poorly-drained soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot summer climates.

Light condition

Like the other hollies, false holly (Osmanthus x burkwoodii) is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female plants. Male plants produce pollen that is necessary for the female plants to produce berries. False holly is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet and a width of 10 feet. It is a fast-growing plant that prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. False holly is drought-tolerant once it is established.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of false holly is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. False holly can also tolerate a range of soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. The plant cannot tolerate too much moisture and will start to drop its leaves if the humidity level is too high. False holly is also susceptible to root rot, so well-draining soil is a must.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this kind of plant needs, is one that is high in phosphorus. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, before new growth begins. Root rot is a common problem with false holly. Be sure to plant in well-drained soil and keep the plant watered during dry spells.

About light

Pruning is a crucial step in maintaining your false holly hedge. When pruning, always cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). This will encourage new growth. As a general rule, you should prune your false holly in early spring and then again in late summer.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of false holly is typically done through stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have several leaves. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained, sandy soil and water well. Keep the soil moist but not wet and in a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted. Once they have rooted, transplant them to individual pots and allow them to grow for a year before planting them in their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by soil type, moisture and other plantings around it. Most false holly grows between 6 and 18 inches per year. Optimal growth rate is usually 12 to 15 inches per year. False holly grows best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types, including both clay and sand.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are mainly due to its well-known drought tolerance. In periods of prolonged drought, the plant may drop its leaves and produce smaller leaves. Prolonged drought can also cause the plant to produce fewer and smaller berries. In addition, false holly is susceptible to a number of diseases, including leaf spot and stem canker.

Tips on Growing

• Remember to keep the plant in a pot that is big enough for its roots.
  
• fertilize the plant regularly.
  
• water the plant regularly, and make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.
  
• provide the plant with bright indirect sunlight.
  
• keep the plant away from drafts.
  
• pinch off any dead or dying leaves.
  
• repot the plant every two to three years, or as needed.
  
• propagate the plant by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer.
  
• protect the plant from pests and diseases.
  
• enjoy the beautiful foliage of your false holly plant!

Substitution

• Cassine Glabra – false holly
  
• 
  
• Aspidistra Elatior – false castor oil plant
  
• Cardiandra Alternifolia – false cardamom
  
• Celastrus Orbiculatus – oriental bittersweet
  
• 
  
• Hydrangea Quercifolia – oakleaf hydrangea
  
• Illicium Anisatum – star anise
  
• Illicium Verum – Chinese star anise
  
• Loropetalum Chinense – Chinese fringetree

Source:
FPS450/FP450: Osmanthus heterophyllus False Holly, Holly Tea …
Holly Diseases - Penn State Extension
Holly YANG | SMU Faculty Directory