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Key characteristics

Family: Oleaceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 4 feet
Flower color: Small white flowers (often hidden by foliage)
Foliage color: Variegated with green, cream, yellow, and pink tones
Bloom time: Fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators, especially bees, with its fragrant flowers

Shrubs

Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’

Variegated False Holly

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' is a distinctive evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, variegated foliage. The leaves are holly-like, with a mix of creamy white, yellow, and green colors that create a mosaic of patterns on each leaf. New growth often emerges with a pinkish-bronze hue, adding another layer of interest to the plant. The dense, bushy form of 'Goshiki' makes it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone specimen.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Borders
Hedging & Privacy
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Catmint · Feather reed grass · Salvias · Coneflowers · Lavenders · Sedums

Design tip

Use ‘Goshiki’ where its colorful foliage can provide year-round visual interest rather than relying on its relatively inconspicuous flowers. Its dense, bushy habit responds well to selective pruning, but allowing a slightly natural outline helps showcase the varied cream, yellow, green, and pink foliage.