Common Name:
Goshiki Osmanthus

Scientific Name:
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Plant Description:

Don't be fooled into thinking this is a variegated English holly. Yes, its leaves are spiny, but Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' does not seed around and grows to only 4 feet high at most (a little wider). A telltale sign: Osmanthus has leaves arranged in opposite pairs; the leaves of holly are alternate.

The leaves of 'Goshiki' are streaked with cream, and new growth has a pink tone to it. 'Goshiki' makes a fine container plant or garden component.

It will maintain its good looks throughout the seasons, while deciduous partners and herbaceous plants come and go. It has an upright growth habit, so you can judiciously prune off one stem at a time to lower its height (prune off at a junction with another, larger stem). Grow 'Goshiki' in full sun or part shade.

Plant Profile & Needs:

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: slow
Flowering period: July to September
Flower color: white
Hardiness: fully hardy
Goes well with: Myrtus communis, Choisya ternata 'Aztec Pearl', Deutzia x magnifica, Sarcococca confusa, Clematis viticella 'Purpurea Plena Elegans', Galanthus nivalis.

Care:

Minimal pruning is required. Remove misplaced, dead or diseased branches in late spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.