Osmanthus heterophyllus - 'Goshiki Tricolor' (Variegated Osmanthus)

This variegated Osmanthus makes a great compact alternative to an ornamental holly, especially in a smaller garden. It is a naturally compact shrub with outstanding foliage and form. It produces flowers but these take the back seat to the outstanding gold and green splashed foliage. Great in a mid border location or in a large pot or tub.

Plant this distinctive compact and low growing holly like shrub in full sun or light shade. Avoid planting Osmanthus in very exposed, cold or hot dry areas, preffering a moist fertile soil in a sheltered spot. Trim to shape as necessary into an attractive dense evergreen shrub. Mulch with compost every few years to feed. Ideal for container growing or as an alternative to holly.

Strengths of Osmanthus heterophyllus:

• Scented blossom
• Provides valuable winter interest
• Evergreen foliage for all year round colour and screening
• Suitable for container growing
• Architectural plant – ideal as a ‘stand out’ plant
• Suitable for hedging or topiary
• Tolerates heavy clay soils

Weaknesses of Osmanthus heterophyllus

• Will not tolerate exposed, cold or hot and sunny locations

Design & Plant Use for Osmanthus heterophyllus:

• Evergreen plant suitable for trimming to shape or topiary
• Evergreen shrub suitable suitable for training up a wall
• Evergreen plant with attractive foliage for winter interest
• Ideal for informal cottage garden style planting
• Ideal flowering shrub for problem clay soils

View all the plants listed in Genus Osmanthus

View other ground cover plants with white flowers, or ground cover plants with variegated green-gold foliage