Plant Profile: Goshiki Osmanthus (aka Goshiki False Holly)
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'
Look Closely, It's not a Holly!
Goshiki Osmanthus is a relatively new shrub that fills a needed gap in the gardening world.
This variegated evergreen shrub is actually a tea olive with spiny, holly-like leaves.
The Japanese word "goshiki" means five colors, referring to the plant's multi-colored variegation
of green, white, cream, pink and orange. The new foliage emerges pink/orange and slowly changes
over to cream, green and white.
Goshiki Osmanthus is a GREAT alternative to variegated
Chinese Privet,
which has now
become Georgia's worst invasive weed, even surpassing Kudzu!
Goshiki Osmanthus will grow to a height of 6-8 feet tall and wide making it perfect for a hedge plant
or as a foundation shrub under higher windows. Since it doesn't grow as quickly as other foundation
shrubs, it can be easily maintained at a shorter height if needed. It's so
much more interesting than the boring green hollies and boxwoods.
Goshiki Osmanthus also looks great as a specimen plant due to its variety of colors.
I personally use this plant often in many of my landscape designs.
Plant Goshiki Osmanthus in full sun to partial shade in nicely
amended
soil that is loose and well-drained.
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