Usually mistaken for a type of holly, Osmanthus are compact, evergreen shrubs grown for their attractive prickly foliage. Their common name is the Holly Olive.

‘Goshiki’ has cream marbling on dark green leaves and the young foliage is often tinged an attractive pinky bronze. Small, fragrant white flowers grow in the leaf axils, followed by inky black berries in autumn. Hardy, happy in sun or partial shade in free draining soil, this is a hard working shrub. Although slow growing and requiring little attention, it can also be clipped to shape.

I often use young Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’ plants in winter pots planted with bulbs and violas. They are happy as potted specimens for some time before they are treated to life in someone’s garden border. A useful shrub to brighten the garden at any time of year, but especially on gloomy winter days.