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Osmanthus x Fortunei – Fortune Holly

Additional information

Size

,

Type

Native?

Non-Native

Zone

7, 8, 9

Height Range (ft.)

10.00 to 20.00

Spread (ft.)

6.00 to 10.00

Bloom Time

Water

Suggested Use

, , ,

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Soil pH requirements

Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline

Soil Type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Other

Growth Rate

,

Tolerate

Attracts

,

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Osmanthus x Fortunei – Fortune Holly

SKU N/A Category

Osmanthus × fortunei, or Fortune Holly, is a fragrant, non-native evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves and sweet-smelling fall blooms—ideal for screens and borders.

$293.99$411.99

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Additional information

Size

,

Type

Native?

Non-Native

Zone

7, 8, 9

Height Range (ft.)

10.00 to 20.00

Spread (ft.)

6.00 to 10.00

Bloom Time

Water

Suggested Use

, , ,

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Soil pH requirements

Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline

Soil Type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Other

Growth Rate

,

Tolerate

Attracts

,

Product Description

Osmanthus × fortunei, commonly known as Fortune Holly or Fortune Osmanthus, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, holly-like foliage and intensely fragrant white flowers that bloom in fall. A hybrid between Osmanthus heterophyllus and Osmanthus fragrans, this non-native shrub typically grows 8 to 15 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, upright habit that makes it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedges, or foundation plantings. Its leathery, spined leaves resemble those of true hollies, while its autumn blooms release a sweet, apricot-like scent. Though attractive and easy to maintain, Fortune Holly provides minimal benefit to native pollinators and wildlife.

Why choose Fortune Holly:

  • Fragrant fall blooms: Small white flowers with a sweet scent appear in mid to late autumn

  • Evergreen structure: Dense, holly-like foliage offers year-round color and screening

  • Versatile shrub: Works well as a hedge, specimen, or foundation plant in sun or part shade

Cultivating tips:

  • Sun exposure: Grows best in full sun to part shade

  • Soil needs: Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil; tolerates clay and loam

  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune after flowering or in early spring to shape

Designs for your garden:

  • Privacy screens: Tall, dense growth makes it an excellent natural barrier

  • Fragrance gardens: Adds sweet autumn scent to walkways and outdoor living spaces

  • Mixed borders: Pairs well with native evergreens and seasonal flowering shrubs

Ecological considerations:

  • Non-native hybrid: Provides little to no food or habitat for native wildlife

  • Not a host plant: Does not support native caterpillars or specialist insects

  • Combine with natives: Plant alongside native shrubs to support biodiversity

Looking for native alternatives?

Looking for a native option? Here are some native plants that offer similar seasonal interest and landscape value:
Viburnum prunifolium – Blackhaw Viburnum

Kalmia latifolia Pristine – Mountain Laurel

Cornus stolonifera – Red Osier Dogwood

 

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Osmanthus x Fortunei – Fortune Holly

$293.99$411.99
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fortune Holly (Osmanthus × fortunei) native to the United States?

No. Osmanthus × fortunei is a hybrid of two Asian species—Osmanthus fragrans and Osmanthus heterophyllus—and is native to East Asia, not the U.S. While popular in ornamental landscapes, it is a non-native evergreen that provides limited ecological benefit compared to native shrubs.

What makes Fortune Holly different from other Osmanthus varieties?

Fortune Holly is a dense, broadleaf evergreen with spiny, holly-like leaves and a rounded to pyramidal form. It typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. It is best known for its fragrant white flowers in fall, which are small but highly aromatic, and its ability to function like a holly hedge or privacy screen with more deer resistance.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Osmanthus × fortunei?

Fortune Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9 and tolerates urban pollution, heat, and drought once established. It’s an excellent choice for screens, hedges, and foundation plantings in warmer climates.

Is Fortune Holly good for pollinators or wildlife?

To a small extent. The fragrant fall flowers attract bees, but this hybrid shrub does not serve as a host plant for native insects or caterpillars. Its dense form can offer shelter for birds and small animals, but its overall ecological value is limited compared to native alternatives.

Is Osmanthus × fortunei deer-resistant and low-maintenance?

Yes. Fortune Holly is highly deer-resistant and considered low-maintenance. It requires little pruning, though it can be shaped as a hedge or screen. It is also pest- and disease-resistant, making it a great option for low-care evergreen structure in the landscape.

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