Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

Over the years, selecting garden-worthy plants has become a lot like buying a car. As gardeners become more sophisticated over time, they start demanding more features and traits from seemingly simple plants, just like car shoppers do each year when Detroit turns out the next new upgrade.

One particular plant that carries the full package in terms of ornamental characteristics is Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki.’ In Japanese ‘Goshiki’ translates as “five colors,’ which makes reference to the colorful new growth that emerges in mixed glowing tones of pink and apricot, chartreuse and white. As the colorful young leaves mature throughout the season, their multicolored speckling evolves to a consistent white, marbled variegation on dark-green leaves.

Versatility gains attention

Variegated false holly is versatile in its use, ranging from mixed containers to garden specimens; in formalized designs such as hedges as well as a variegated evergreen used to light up a dark corner or section of a garden. The plant is also extremely fragrant with intoxicating flowers in late summer to early fall that is sure to be noticed by all who pass by.

In addition to being visually ornamental and fragrant, false hollies are blessed with -- or perhaps cursed by those who maintain them -- spiny-toothed juvenile leaves that make them last on the list of plants that deer will browse and chew on. As deer pressure becomes more pronounced in areas of the country such as the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, selecting plants with natural defense mechanisms will come to the forefront of consumers’ wish list of needs.

The natural growth habit of variegated false holly without any shearing is a dense shrub with an upright habit on young plants that becomes more round as it ages. Mature plants can reach upwards of 15 feet tall but can easily be kept in check with either shearing or, more appropriately, renewal depth pruning. Plants can handle either full sun or part shade but will tend to be fuller in full sun. Full sun may cause the variegation to fade or bleach a bit.

Tough as nails

‘Goshiki’ is trouble free and extremely easy to grow and maintain. Few if any pests and diseases will bother this tough-as-nails plant. It will easily transplant directly from the field or containers. A well-draining but moist soil is preferred, but once well-established the plant does show a great deal of drought tolerance, making it an excellent choice for landscapers.

Propagation by cuttings is fairly straightforward and easy as well as cheap since the plant is not patented and sourcing stock plants for in-house cuttings should be easy since the plant has been in the trade for many years.

For an all-around workhorse of a plant with multiseason interest that is care free and easy to use, upgrade from the standard evergreen shrub to one that is deer resistant, fragrant and eye-catching.

Specifics

Name: Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Common name: Variegated false holly.

Family: Oleaceae.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

Size: Plants reach 10 feet tall with an almost equal spread.

Characteristics: Colorful new growth emerges in mixed tones of pink and apricot, chartreuse and white.  As the leaves mature, multicolored speckling evolves to a consistent white, marbled variegation on dark green leaves. Extremely fragrant flowers in late summer.

Advantages: Spiny-toothed juvenile leaves make the plants unappealing to deer. No major pest or disease issues.

Propagation: Propagation by cuttings is fairly straightforward and easy as well as cheap since the plant is not patented. Sourcing stock plants for in-house cuttings should be easy since the plant has been in the trade for many years.

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- Erik Petersen

March 2008