Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

© Great Plant Picks

© Great Plant Picks

© Great Plant Picks

Cistus Design Nursery

Common Name: Variegated Osmanthus, Holly Olive, Goshiki False Holly, Holly Tea Olive

This fragrant holly olive's rounded outline and foliage make it an excellent border shrub. Intensely fragrant, tiny, cream, fall flowers are added attractions. To 4-8 ft in sun to part shade with regular summer water. Frost hardy in USDA zone 7, possibly 6.

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' is an extremely tough, strikingly variegated evergreen shrub. Goshiki means 'five colored' in Japanese and refers to the various colors found on each leaf. Cream, pink, orange, yellow, and white appear as attractive spots and swirls that combine together to create an eye-catching display. Use it to brighten up a shady corner or set it against a background of dark evergreens. It makes a colorful informal hedge and can also be kept in a large container for many years. The bright year-round color and easy cultivation make it a great choice for landscapes in the Northwest. Osmanthus heterophyllus is known for its wonderfully fragrant fall flowers, but this cultivar-at least when young-does not flower.

The false holly is very easy to grow in full sun to deep shade, although it will flower less in more shade. It prefers well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand and clay. It is drought tolerant once established, but would appreciate occasional watering during dry weather, especially if in a sandy site. It can grow openly while it is young, particularly if it is in shade- light pruning can help keep this shrub dense in youth.

(Source: Great Plant Picks)