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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

Learn more

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

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantFragrant (strong)Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' is variegated holly osmanthus (silver-edge false holly), an upright evergreen shrub growing 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) tall and 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) wide. Tiny white strongly fragrant flowers in October-November (3 weeks). Deep green holly-like leaves with creamy-white margins 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm); dimorphic — spiny lower, smooth upper. In Oleaceae. Variegatus = variegated. Smaller and slower than the green species (4-8 feet / 1.2-2.4 m vs. 8-15 feet / 2.4-4.5 m). The cream-white margins (no pink) distinguish 'Variegatus' from 'Goshiki' (multicolored). May produce all-green reversion shoots — remove promptly. Slow-growing — this slow growth is the primary limitation for hedging use. Drought-tolerant once established. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-9. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.

Native Range

Species native to Japan and Taiwan. Cultivar of Japanese garden origin.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a variegated specimen, formal hedge, or in containers of at least 7 gallons (26 L), spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m). Cream-margined foliage. Fall fragrance. Slow-growing. Non-toxic. Zones 7-9.

How to Identify

Identified by deep green holly-like evergreen leaves with cream-white margins on an upright shrub with fragrant white fall flowers. The cream-white margin (no pink) distinguishes 'Variegatus' from 'Goshiki' (multicolored). In Oleaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

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

Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green
cream

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Fall
Fall (October-November). White tubular 4-lobed flowers 0.2 inch (5 mm) in axillary clusters. Strongly fragrant (sweet, apricot-like). 3 weeks. Bee-visited.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White, tiny, tubular, 0.2 inch (5 mm), 4-lobed, in axillary clusters; October-November; strongly fragrant (sweet, apricot-like)

Foliage Description

Deep green center with creamy-white to white margins, holly-like spiny-margined, ovate, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm); dimorphic — lower leaves spiny, upper mature leaves smooth-margined; the cream-white margin is stable and does not fade; evergreen year-round

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
Drainagewell 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

Part shade (3-6 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Remove all-green reversion shoots. Prune in early spring (February-March). Slow-growing. Fall-fragrant. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-9.

Pruning

Prune in early spring (February-March) to shape. Remove all-green reversion shoots promptly. Tolerates formal hedging. Slow growth means infrequent pruning.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic