Gulftide Holly Olive

Gulftide Holly Olive

15 Gallon
$169.90
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Gulftide Holly Olive
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Gulftide Holly Olive

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Gulftide'

A tough, variegated evergreen with fragrant winter flowers, ideal for security and seaside hedges.

$169.90
Container sizeSize guide 15 Gallon

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Description

Gulftide Holly Olive is a tough, compact hybrid with the spiny, holly-like leaves of Osmanthus heterophyllus and the wonderful fragrance of Sweet Olive. Its small, glossy green leaves are edged with golden-yellow variegation and sharp spines, making it an excellent deterrent hedge. In late fall to early winter, it produces clusters of small, highly fragrant white flowers. Exceptionally resistant to pests, diseases, deer, and even fire, it is a superb, low-maintenance choice for a security hedge, foundation planting, or seaside garden.

  • Fragrant Winter Blooms: Flowers in late fall to early winter with small, white, sweetly fragrant blooms, providing scent during the cooler months.

  • Variegated Holly-Like Foliage: Features small, spiny, glossy green leaves with bright golden-yellow margins, offering year-round color and texture.

  • Excellent Security & Firewise Hedge: Its dense, spiny growth creates an effective, impenetrable barrier that is also recognized for fire resistance.

  • Extremely Tough & Adaptable: Highly tolerant of heat, drought, wind, salt spray, poor soils, and shade once established. Very deer and pest resistant.

  • Compact & Versatile: Maintains a dense, rounded form, reaching 5-6 feet tall and wide, perfect for low to medium hedges or accent planting.

Quick Facts

  • Features:Oval, thick leathery leaves with serrated edges in blue-green and yellow margins. Dense clusters of small, cross-shaped creamy-white flowers bloom in autumn (1-2 months later than osmanthus) with a golden osmanthus-like fragrance, occasionally followed by blue-black berries.
  • Mature Height: 5–6 ft
  • Mature Width: 5–6 ft
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Light Needs: Full sun to part shade
  • Key Advantages:Late-season fragrant blooms,Fire-resistant foliage,Deer resistant,Topiary adaptable
  • Soil Requirement: Well-drained soil (intolerant of waterlogging)
  • Landscape Uses:Firewise hedges,Formal garden borders,Fragrant autumn displays,Container topiaries

Faqs

Q: How does its fragrance compare to Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)?
A: The fragrance is similar—sweet and pleasant—but generally considered slightly less intense than that of Osmanthus fragrans. However, its later bloom time (late fall/winter) is a significant advantage.

Q: Does it need full sun for the variegation?
A: The yellow variegation is best in full sun to partial shade. In too much deep shade, the plant may become greener and less compact. It is one of the best variegated plants for shaded areas.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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15 Gallon

15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

Explore 15 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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