About
A half-hardy evergreen shrub with a spreading habit and thin, elliptic, glossy green leaves. Small white flowers, sometimes speckled with purple, are produced singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils in spring, followed by purple berries.
About the genus
A genus of 30 species of small shrubs of trees with smooth, narrow green foliage and star-shaped white to pinkish flowers which are loved by pollinators. Some species are used for ground cover, erosion control and are drought and salt tolerant
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationIn mild regions, may be grown outdoors, in moist but well-drained soil in a sunny spot with midday shade. In areas prone to frost, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, in a peat-free, loam-based compost with bright filtered light
PruningPrune regularly to maintain shape, removing dead or diseased material in late winter to early spring before the new growth begins
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to early autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free