Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki', Goshiki holly-leaf osmanthus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'

Goshiki holly-leaf osmanthus

Oleaceae

Species native to Japan and Taiwan; cultivar of Japanese garden origin

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitMounding
FoliageEvergreen
Height3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Width3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)
Maturity8 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (moderate)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A compact, dense, rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall and 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) wide, substantially smaller than the species type. Growth rate is slow, adding 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) per year. The cultivar name 'Goshiki' means 'five colors' in Japanese, referring to the multicolored variegation pattern. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, holly-like with spiny margins (primarily on juvenile and lower foliage), displaying an irregular mosaic of dark green, light green, cream-white, and pink to bronze-pink, with the most vivid coloring on new growth. New spring growth emerges prominently flushed with pink to bronze-pink, maturing through summer to a more muted green-and-cream pattern. Individual leaves vary considerably in their variegation pattern; no two are identical. Older interior leaves develop predominantly dark green tones with less visible variegation. Flowers appear in October to November, identical to the species type: small, white, tubular, four-lobed, approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, with an intensely sweet fragrance. Bloom is less profuse than on the species type due to reduced chlorophyll in variegated foliage. Fruit is sparse. The compact habit and variegated foliage make this cultivar substantially different in landscape use from the species type. Branches occasionally revert to all-green foliage, which should be removed. Hardy to approximately 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C).

Native Range

The species Osmanthus heterophyllus is native to Japan and Taiwan. The cultivar 'Goshiki' is a Japanese garden selection of unknown specific origin, selected for its multicolored variegation pattern.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a specimen or accent plant where the multicolored foliage provides year-round interest. Plant at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing for a low variegated hedge. Suitable for mixed borders, foundation plantings on north or east exposures, and Japanese-style gardens. The compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens and containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Provides foliage contrast against dark green or solid-colored shrubs.

How to Identify

Immediately identified by the multicolored variegated foliage displaying irregular patches of dark green, light green, cream-white, and pink to bronze-pink on holly-like, spiny-margined leaves. New growth is prominently pink-flushed. Distinguished from O. heterophyllus 'Variegatus' (which has cream-and-green variegation without the pink tones) by the more complex, multi-toned color pattern and the pronounced pink flush on new growth. The opposite leaf arrangement distinguishes it from variegated hollies (Ilex), which have alternate leaves.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green
light green
cream
pink

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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Fall
Flowers from October to November in USDA zones 7-9. Small axillary clusters of white, four-lobed, fragrant flowers, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across, appear along the stems. Bloom is less profuse than on the green-leaved species type. Fragrance is sweet and detectable from several feet. Fruit production is sparse.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Multicolored variegation: dark green, light green, cream-white, and pink to bronze-pink

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to part sun; the most vivid variegation develops with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled light throughout the day. Full sun may scorch the cream and pink leaf areas in summer, while deep shade results in less vivid variegation and more green-dominant foliage. Adapts to well-drained soils with pH 5.5-7.0. Water regularly during establishment and during summer dry periods; variegated cultivars are generally less drought-tolerant than green-leaved types due to reduced photosynthetic capacity. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. Remove any branches that revert to all-green foliage at their point of origin, as reverted shoots are more vigorous and will overtake the variegated growth if left unchecked. In zone 7, shelter from cold winter winds.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain compact shape. Responds well to light shearing for formal shapes. Remove any all-green reverted branches at their point of origin at any time of year — this is the most important maintenance task for variegated cultivars. Light pruning after flowering in November is also acceptable. Avoid heavy late-summer pruning, which may stimulate tender growth susceptible to winter damage. The naturally compact habit requires less frequent pruning than the species type.

Pruning Schedule

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winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic