Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus', Variegated holly osmanthus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus'

Variegated holly osmanthus

Oleaceae

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

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 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
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A dense, upright to rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub reaching 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide, somewhat smaller and slower-growing than the species type. Growth rate is slow, adding 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) per year. Leaves are opposite, ovate, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) long, thick and leathery, with holly-like spiny margins on juvenile and lower foliage. Each leaf displays a deep green center with a clean, irregular creamy-white to white margin, creating a crisp two-toned effect that is more formally defined than the multi-toned splashing of 'Goshiki.' The variegation pattern is consistent throughout the plant, with individual leaves varying only slightly in the width of the white margin. New growth may show a slight pink flush on the white-margined areas, but this is less prominent than in 'Goshiki.' 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 somewhat less profuse than on the green-leaved species due to reduced chlorophyll. Fruit is sparse. Branches occasionally revert to all-green foliage, which should be removed promptly. Hardy to approximately 0-5°F (-18 to -15°C). An old cultivar, long established in Japanese gardens.

Native Range

The species Osmanthus heterophyllus is native to Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) and Taiwan. The cultivar 'Variegatus' is a traditional Japanese garden selection, cultivated for centuries for its white-margined foliage.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a specimen or accent plant where the white-margined foliage brightens partially shaded locations. Plant at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing for a variegated hedge. Suitable for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and Japanese-style gardens. The formal, clean variegation pattern works well in structured garden designs. Suitable for containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L). Tolerates urban pollution.

How to Identify

Identified by opposite, holly-like, spiny-margined evergreen leaves with a deep green center and a clean creamy-white to white margin. Distinguished from 'Goshiki' by the simpler two-toned variegation pattern (green center/white margin) versus 'Goshiki's' multi-toned mosaic of green, cream, and pink. Distinguished from variegated hollies (Ilex) by the opposite (vs. alternate) leaf arrangement. The fragrant white flowers in October to November confirm the genus. Mature upper foliage may have reduced or absent spines.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green
cream white

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 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. Bloom lasts 2-3 weeks. Fragrance is sweet, detectable from several feet. Bloom is somewhat less profuse than on the green-leaved species. Fruit production is sparse.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Deep green center with creamy-white to white margins

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 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in partial shade to part sun; morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light produces the best foliage color and prevents scorch on the white leaf margins. Full sun in hot, exposed sites may burn the variegated areas; deep shade reduces contrast and produces a more muted appearance. Adapts to well-drained soils with pH 5.5-7.5. Water regularly during establishment; once established, tolerates moderate drought of 2-3 weeks. Mulch with 2 inches (5 cm) of organic material. Remove any branches that revert to all-green foliage at their point of origin promptly, as reverted shoots are more vigorous. In zone 7, shelter from cold winter winds. No serious pest or disease problems.

Pruning

Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape. Responds well to light shearing for formal hedging. The most critical maintenance task is removing all-green reverted branches at their point of origin at any time of year. Light pruning after flowering in November is also acceptable. Avoid heavy late-summer pruning that stimulates tender growth susceptible to winter damage. Hard rejuvenation pruning to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) is tolerated but will sacrifice one to two seasons of flowering.

Pruning Schedule

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winterearly spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic