False Holly 'Goshiki'

'Goshiki' (which means 'five-coloured' in Japanese) is a fabulous evergreen shrub that provides a tapestry of colour throughout the year. Its holly-like, spiny leaves are a constant riot of creamy-white, silver, gold, and green, with new growth often appearing in shades of bronze or pink. This variegation is incredibly stable and brightens up even the gloomiest of garden corners. Although it looks like holly, it is actually more closely related to jasmine and olives. In late autumn, it may produce small, inconspicuous, but very sweetly scented white flowers. It is fully hardy (H5) and has a slow-growing, dense, and naturally rounded habit, eventually reaching about 1.5 to 2 metres. It is exceptionally versatile, tolerating full sun to partial shade and most well-drained soils. Its prickly nature makes it a great choice for a low-maintenance, decorative, yet functional barrier hedge. It requires very little pruning to maintain its shape.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Sep, Oct.