Osmanthus heterophyllus 'VARIEGATUS' varigated osmanthus

The holly osmanthus originates from East Asia, particularly southern Japan and Taiwan. Variegatus is a less well-known and rarely available variety, which is unfortunate as it has much to offer. It is a slow-growing shrub, structurally and growth-wise reminiscent of the variegated cultivar Goshiki with yellow-green leaves. However, the leaves of this variety are white variegated, which is why it is sometimes still found under its older name Argenteovariegatus. The evergreen leaves are leathery, slightly glossy, pale green in the center with bold creamy-white margins. They are spiny on young plants, making the shrub resemble hollies at first glance. However, a trained eye will notice the difference – hollies have alternate leaves, whereas osmanthus has opposite leaves. In maturity, leaves at the top of the plant may become entire with smooth rather than spiny margins.

In autumn, it blooms profusely with tiny, yet sweet and strongly fragrant flowers. If pollinated by a male plant, small, almost black, non-toxic fruits may follow, though this is rare. Variegatus osmanthus grows slowly to moderately (20-25 cm per year) and forms upright, funnel-shaped shrubs that over time become broadly oval (30 years or more). While naturally attractive, it is easy to maintain and shape through pruning. Spring pruning encourages branching, while summer pruning is for shaping. The twigs and trunks are light gray and smooth.

Spine-leaved osmanthus has long been used as a natural barrier against wild animals and cattle. Another significant advantage is that they are long-lived shrubs or trees, and we are not talking about decades but hundreds of years. There are records of specimens whose age was estimated to be 950 or more years. In other words, if located in an ideal spot it can be a plant that will be passed on by one generation to another. It looks great as an attractive evergreen specimen shrub or small tree and does a good job as a hedge, too.

Grow osmanthus in moist but well-drained, humus rich, preferably acidic soil. Provide plenty of mulch for winter to protect the roots from quick freezing. It loves full sun but in colder regions find it a location sheltered from late winter and early spring sunlight but with plenty of light during the growing season. Use only plants with mature wood in zone 6 and transplant it no later than late summer in order to avoid frost damage after the first winter. It is trialed hardy to -24 °C (USDA zone 6). It will withstand a few degrees lower with some wood damage but regenerates readily after spring pruning. It does not suffer from diseases, but vine weevil can be a problem.

Last update 21-03-2007; 06-03-2025