A large, strong-growing, bushy, evergreen shrub, with dark brown to black stems, and narrow, pointed, light green leaves with a silvery-white margin. Small, dark red-brown, male flowers appear in late spring or early summer
2.5-4 metres
1.5-2.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun. Will grow in partial shade, but the leaves will be most colourful and wood will ripen better in an open, sunny position. Grow in the open in milder areas and in coastal gardens with shelter from the worst cold, drying winds. In colder gardens grow in a sheltered position such as a south- or west-facing wall, and protect roots in winter with a deep dry mulch
Propagate by semi-ripe basal cuttings in summer, by basal hardwood cuttings in late autumn, or by layering or air layering in spring
Pruning group 1; if grown as a hedge, trim in spring and midsummer
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids, cushion scale and pittosporum sucker
May be susceptible to powdery mildews, leafspot and honey fungus (rarely)