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variegated holly tree

Looking to add striking evergreen colour and unique foliage to your garden? The variegated holly tree is a standout choice for NZ gardeners who want year-round interest and structure. With its glossy, green leaves edged in creamy yellow or white, this holly variety offers fantastic contrast, making it an ideal centrepiece, hedge, or specimen plant. Whether you’re planning a formal landscape or a lush, textural border, the variegated holly tree brings beauty and versatility to any outdoor space.

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Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus'

Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy holly like foliage edged with creamy white variegation. This hardy ornamental plant adds year round structure, texture, and bright contrast to gardens and landscapes throughout New Zealand.

From $27.53

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
osmanthus-heterophyllus-

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, commonly known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. It produces spiny and glossy, dark green leaves which becomes adorned with clusters of small and highly-scented, white flowers during summer and autumn. This showy plant typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide.

From $37.19

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex ‘Largo’ is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Marjorie Channon' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum ‘Marjorie Channon’ is a popular evergreen shrub admired for its striking variegated foliage. Its green leaves are edged with creamy...

From$22.01
Metrosideros kermadecensis 'variegata' red flowers and variegated foliage.
Metrosideros kermadecensis variegata (Variegated Pohutukawa)

Metrosideros kermadecensis 'Variegata' is a striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its glossy green leaves edged with creamy variegation...

From$30.29
Hoheria 'Alba Variegata' variegated foliage with white flowers.
Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata'

Hoheria populnea 'Alba Variegata' is a striking NZ native tree prized for its distinctive foliage and seasonal displays. This evergreen variety...

From$494.05
Buxus sempervirens variegata (Variegated Box) shrub with lush and colourful foliage.
Buxus sempervirens 'variegata'

Buxus sempervirens 'variegata' features small, mid-green leaves with cream-white edges on new growth, which age to become a darker green. It grows to...

From$16.95
portulacaria-afra-variegata--8
Portulacaria afra 'Variegata'

Portulacaria afra 'Variegata' is an attractive evergreen succulent shrub prized for its creamy white and green variegated foliage carried on...

From$19.50
Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

From$340.69
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Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo'

Acer palmatum 'Ukigumo' is a rare and highly ornamental Japanese Maple treasured for its striking white and pink variegated foliage. Often called the...

From$349.95
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
viburnum-tinus-variegatum--1
Viburnum tinus variegatum

Viburnum tinus 'Variegatum' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its cream and green variegated foliage that provides year round colour and...

From$27.53
westringia-wynyabbie-highlight--4
Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight'

Westringia 'Wynyabbie Highlight' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its fine variegated green and cream foliage, naturally rounded habit, and...

From$18.95
acer-esk-sunset-
Acer 'Esk Sunset'

Acer 'Esk Sunset' is a stunning deciduous maple prized for its richly variegated foliage with green leaves flushed in pink, cream, and purple...

From$299.95
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3
Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Pandorea jasminoides variegata pink flower and variegated foliage.
Pandorea jasminoides variegata

Pandorea jasminoides 'Variegata' is a climber that features light pink, trumpet-shaped flowers with a dark pink throat from spring through autumn...

From$24.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum white flowers and variegated leaves.
Trachelospermum jasminoides variegatum (Variegated Star Jasmine)

Trachelospermum jasminoides Variegatum is a striking evergreen climber featuring glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white margins. In summer, it...

From$15.50
Variegated Monstera plant in a pot with cream and green foliage.
Monstera albo 'variegata'

The Albo Variegata Monstera, also known as the Variegated Monstera, is a striking indoor plant prized for its large, split leaves splashed with...

From$149.95
polemonium-stairway-to-heaven--2
Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven'

Polemonium 'Stairway to Heaven' is a stunning perennial admired for its finely divided variegated foliage and clusters of soft lavender blue bell...

From$30.29
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Cordyline australis albertii plants with variegated foliage.
Cordyline albertii

Cordyline albertii (Variegated Cabbage Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its bold green leaves edged with creamy white variegation. This...

From$340.69
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

From$37.19
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegatus'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Coprosma, and Hoheria, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search variegated holly tree

Why Choose the Variegated Holly Tree for Your Garden?

The variegated holly tree delivers a dramatic focal point thanks to its brightly edged leaves and dense, upright form. It copes well with a range of soil types and handles coastal New Zealand conditions, including wind and occasional salt spray. In addition to its visual appeal, this holly tree can attract native birds during the winter when its red berries adorn the branches. Its prickly foliage also makes it an excellent security hedge, deterring unwanted visitors while providing a perfect haven for garden wildlife.

Growing Tips for Variegated Holly in New Zealand

To ensure your variegated holly tree thrives, plant it in well-drained soil with full sun or part shade exposure. Hollies generally require minimal maintenance after establishment. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain the shape and encourage new variegated growth. Mulching around the base aids moisture retention and helps suppress weeds. With these straightforward care tips, your variegated holly will flourish, rewarding you with colourful foliage in every season.

Creative Landscape Uses

The versatility of the variegated holly tree makes it popular for hedging, screening, or as a striking standalone feature. For layered planting schemes, combine your holly with finer-leaved evergreens like Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia or the compact Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly). You might also create a vibrant texture contrast with ornamental grasses such as Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag). For a unique border, consider pairing with bamboo relatives like Pleioblastus viridistriatus (Pleioblastus).

Variegated Holly Tree vs. Other Hollies

If you’re comparing the variegated holly tree with other holly types, consider their distinct features. For instance, Ilex aquifolium Angustifolia offers slimmer foliage, while Ilex crenata is prized for its dense, box-like appearance and suitability for topiary. The creamy-edged leaves of the variegated holly create a brighter garden presence than solid-green varieties, offering a modern twist on a traditional favourite.

Shop Variegated Holly Trees and Companion Plants

Explore our selection of variegated holly trees and complementary shrubs to design your ideal landscape. With expert guidance and high-quality plants delivered NZ-wide, it’s easy to create a colourful, low-maintenance garden that stands out in every season. Mix and match your variegated holly with favourites like Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) or Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag) for a garden that shines all year round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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You know Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green', but have you met Bougainvillea 'Krishna', Pieris 'Temple Bells', and Leptinella dioica? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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