Osmanthus heterophyllus Goshiki Online now

‘Goshiki’ means ‘five colors’ and—true to its name—does sport that number of hues. Perhaps even seven if you count the red of new leaves and the green into which it transforms. That doesn’t end the color show, however, as the tips of this holly olive’s branches are splashed with orange, yellow, pink, cream, and white for very variegated appeal. That variegation reportedly is best in partial shade and may fade a bit in full sun.

Since ‘Goshiki’ is compact and slow-growing, usually not surmounting 5 feet in height or 4 feet in width, it will brighten your landscape without becoming unmanageable in USDA zones 6-9. Like other types of holly olive, this evergreen can produce fragrant and inconspicuous white flowers in autumn.

Culture:  Although it prefers fertile, moist, and acidic soil, holly olive will tolerate most soil types and thrive in partial shade as well as full sun. Its dense, compact growth and ease of culture makes it a good hedge or privacy screening plant. Since it blooms on old wood, it may not flower when young.

DEER RESISTANT