Holly Olive Goshiki

A good shrub for year-round interest, Osmanthus heterophyllus Goshiki is a medium-sized, slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a bushy habit. The leaves are spiny and holly-like, glossy green marbled with shades of cream, tinged pink and bronze when young (Goshiki is Japanese for ‘five colours’). In late summer and autumn, fragrant white flowers, strongly scented of apricot, are borne in the leaf axils; these are  followed by small black berries. Not for the coldest areas, holly olive Goshiki holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any well drained soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: All year, particularly late summer and autumn
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 5’ (1.5m)  Spread: 5’ (1.5m)