Georama Growers Osmanthus – Georama Growers Plant of the Week
Common Name: Varigated False Holly
Botanical Name: Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’
On a recent trip to Portland Oregon, Imelda and I had a chance to visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland’s Chinatown district. Although it was raining at the time (big surprise) this traditional Chinese garden is a must see – even if you are not a plant geek. The Garden is divided into more than ten exqisite areas, each with it’s special focal point of the Garden, and each explores a bit of Chinese culture, history and way of thinking. The famous plant collector E. H. Wilson once refered to China as the ‘Mother of all Gardens’, for good reason, as China is home to more than 30,000 plant species – one eighth of the worlds total! Many of the plants we know and love in the West originate in China, yet few people recognize China’s influence in their own gardens. One of the plants we saw in the Garden we have at home – Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’ is an extremely tough, strikingly varigated evergreen shrub, looking for all the world like a holly plant – hense it’s common name. Cream, pink, orange, yellow and white appear as attractive spots and swirls that combine to create an eye-catching display. Use it to brighten up a shady corner, or set it against a background of dark evergreens, It’s year round colour and easy care make it a perfect choice for our Kootenay Gardens!
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