Several colours together
Cream and green markings mingle with pink tones on new growth.
5
Osmanthus 'goshiki' 17cm
Normal price
€16,90
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The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Osmanthus ‘goshiki’
A little of every colour. Somehow, it works 🎨
- Green and cream foliage
- Pink young growth
- Slow growth
- Dense evergreen habit
Osmanthus ‘goshiki’ looks as though its leaves have passed through a palette of soft colours. Green, cream and yellowish touches share the surface, while young growth adds pink and bronze tones. The result is never a uniform pattern: each leaf keeps its own small variation within a dense crown that stays interesting throughout the year.
Its steady shrubby presence suits entrances, beds with a green background or a spacious pot. Pale patches in the foliage add brightness without needing large flowers, while the small, spiny margins bring a graphic detail.
This cultivar received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 2012.
What makes it special
A bright mosaic of leaves on a slow-growing evergreen shrub.
Dense presence
Slow growth keeps the overall effect restrained and compact for a long time.
Small scented flowers
Small white flowers may appear from late summer into autumn, often less conspicuous than the leaves.
Why you will love it: it brightens a green composition without waiting for flowers.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations Position, growing space and compatible companions
Planting position
Sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold drying winds. In very hot Greek locations favour morning sun and some afternoon shade to reduce stress on pale leaves.
Colour & compatibility
Plain green leaves highlight its mosaic. Keep clear of narrow paths because spiny leaf margins can be uncomfortable to brush against.
- Pittosporum tobira — Rounder, glossy green foliage in a freely draining position.
- Carex oshimensis — Low, linear texture in front of the shrub, with compatible moisture care.
- Hydrangea paniculata — Summer flowers in a suitable position with enough space and independently monitored watering.
Care at a glance
Light
Sun or partial shade; protection from hot afternoon sun in very warm positions.
Watering
Regular watering during establishment and when the upper mix dries in pots.
Climate & hardiness
Shelter from cold, drying winds.
Safety
Spiny leaf margins need clearance from narrow paths and play areas.
Detailed careComplete care guidePlanting, water, maintenance and seasonal care
Planting
Choose a well-drained position and plant at root-ball level. Pots need holes, sufficient root space and complete drainage after watering.
Water
Water regularly until established. Then adjust frequency to weather and soil rather than treating a shrub in the ground like a quickly drying pot.
Light and colour
Good light highlights the variegation. If pale surfaces scorch during a heatwave, improve position and moisture monitoring rather than automatically adding more water.
Winter
It is a hardy shrub, but foliage can suffer in freezing, drying wind. A sheltered position and pot protection during hard frost reduce the risk.
Feeding
In spring use a suitable complete fertiliser at the label rate when needed. Slow growth is characteristic and cannot be corrected by excessive feeding.
Pruning and green shoots
Shape lightly without frequent deep clipping. Remove any shoot producing consistently all-green leaves at its origin. Heavy pruning may reduce flowering on older wood.
Development over timeColour and form as it growsFrom establishment to the natural mature form
Young growth
New shoots bring pink and bronze colours before developing the mature green and cream mosaic.
Slow maturity
It often remains approximately 1–2 m in cultivation. Over time in favourable conditions it can approach 3 m tall and 2.4 m wide.
Persistent foliage
The crown remains through winter. Pruning influences its shape, while natural growth produces a dense, rounded shrub.
Mature form & dimensions
Long-term scaleHeight 1–3 mSpread 1–2.4 mDense evergreen shrub
Indicative natural dimensions; position, age and pruning influence the final form.
Form through time
Young growthPink and bronze tones at the tips
Mature foliageGreen and cream mosaic in the same crown
Schematic seasonal illustration, not a guarantee of simultaneous appearance or timing.
History & origin Cultivar origin The history of this particular cultivar
‘Goshiki’ is a variegated selection of Osmanthus heterophyllus, an East Asian species belonging to the Oleaceae. It is also recorded under the synonym ‘Tricolor’.
The Japanese name Goshiki means 'five colours', describing the foliage's colour variety.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Holly-like leaves, different pairs
The spiny leaves resemble holly, but osmanthus leaves sit opposite each other in pairs. Holly leaves are alternate. A quick look along the stem separates two different plant families.
Different leaves within one species
Heterophyllus means 'with different leaves'. In the species, juvenile growth can carry more spiny margins, while mature parts show gentler or almost entire outlines; this does not necessarily indicate a different plant.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for this particular plant.
01Does it lose its leaves in winter?
No, it is evergreen. Individual older leaves are naturally replaced.
02Why are the new leaves pink?
This is characteristic of new growth. As leaves mature, green and cream become more prominent.
03Will it become a large shrub?
It grows slowly and is often maintained at 1–2 m, but can approach 3 m in favourable long-term conditions. Do not plan for a permanently tiny plant.
04Is it a holly?
No. It is an osmanthus in the Oleaceae. Opposite leaf pairs help distinguish it.
05Does it flower heavily every year?
The small scented white flowers can be subtle or sparse, especially on young or frequently pruned plants. Foliage is the main ornamental feature.
06Can it go beside a narrow path?
Allow some distance so spiny leaf margins do not rub against hands, legs or pets.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.