Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Ogon', Golden Japanese False Holly

A waxy appearance to its "holly" leaf enhances its yellow-gold brilliance. ('Ogon' is Japanese for "yellow-gold.") Evergreen, or shall we say, evergold, it slowly changes from butter-yellow to green in winter just before shedding old leaves to make way for new growth. One would think a shaft of sun was illuminating a spot in your garden—just what it needed—a bright, sunny punctuation! Put it in contrast with dark plants for most dramatic effect. And no, it's not you, the plant is a very slow grower but worth the wait. Small fragrant flowers perfume the air in fall just when you think there's not much to look forward to.  Slow grower to 5 x 5 ft, possibly bigger.

Properties/conditions:

• deer-resistant
• evergreen
• fragrant
• intermittent water
• part shade
• shade