Osmanthus heterophyllus Variegatus

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' is an evergreen bush with a very dense and compact habit, with beautiful variegated green foliage tinged with cream. Its white flowering spreads a lovely jasmine fragrance with fruity notes late in the season. With its thick and prickly foliage similar to that of holly, it is attractive all year round and is suitable for creating evergreen, fragrant and defensive hedges. Plant in ordinary soil, in all exposures, in all regions!

Osmanthus heterophyllus, also known as Variegated Osmanthus, is a hardy bush that can withstand temperatures below -15° C (5° F), native to Japan and Taiwan. It belongs to the large and diverse Oleaceae family, which includes plants such as olive trees, lilacs, and jasmines. The cultivar 'Variegatus', sometimes also known as 'Aureomarginatus', was selected for its compact bushy habit, dense foliage, and beautiful variegated, toothed and spiny leaves that resemble holly leaves.

The growth of this bush is slow, but still faster than that of holly. It has a dense, bushy habit, reaching about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in all directions. Its spiny foliage is composed of oval, thick, leathery leaves, strongly serrated on the edges. The foliage strongly resembles holly leaves. The leaves measure 4.5 cm to 6 cm (1.8 in to 2.4 in) long and 3 cm (1.2 in) wide. The shiny green leaves are initially variegated with yellow, then with cream. From September to October, small clusters of white flowers appear on the new shoots, in the axils of the leaves. They measure 2 mm to 5 mm (0.08 in to 0.2 in) in diameter and emit a complex fragrance reminiscent of jasmine, but lighter, softened by notes of apricot and peach. After pollination by pollinating insects, the flowers are followed by the formation of blue-black fruits, measuring 0.5 cm to 1 cm (0.2 in to 0.4 in) long.

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' is no more difficult to grow than boxwood or holly, adapts to a wide range of soils and exposures, and is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. It can be used as a shrub border, and as a flowering or defensive hedge. Its limited growth allows it to be grown in a large container, on a terrace or balcony. Plant it near a pathway to fully enjoy its fragrance. It tolerates pruning well (in spring to avoid compromising flowering) and is well suited for topiary art and creates beautiful evergreen hedges. It can be combined with other shrubs that flower in autumn and winter, such as Elaeagnus, Mahonia, Sarcococca, or Garrya elliptica, in partial shade.

Properties and uses:

Osmanthus flowers are sometimes mixed with tea for flavouring, or with biscuits, and are locally used in the production of a very ancient traditional Chinese liqueur served in jade cups. Perfumery also uses osmanthus absolute in the composition of high-end perfumes or cosmetics. Osmanthus absolute also has repellent properties against insects. The bark and roots are part of traditional Asian pharmacopoeia and are used to treat various inflammatory conditions or chronic coughs.