A compact evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers in early spring. It is a dependable choice for east-facing beds and shaded courtyards, where it keeps a neat shape with little pruning.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is moderately drought tolerant, but it looks best with steady water through summer. Water at the base rather than on the leaves.
Pruning
It holds a tidy, rounded shape on its own. If it needs shaping, prune lightly right after the spring bloom, around May, rather than shearing.
Heat and sun
Leaves scorch in blazing western sun and in temperatures above about 115°F. An eastern exposure suits it best.
Leaf problems
Alkaline soil can yellow the leaves between the veins; a micronutrient fertilizer helps. Leaf spot can appear in cool, wet weather, another reason to keep spray off the foliage.
How our designers use it
Foundation planting
Its compact, even shape works along the shaded side of the house and under covered patios.
Shaded courtyards
Our designers use it where desert shrubs would stretch for light, paired with agapanthus, clivia and other shade-tolerant plants.
Low hedges and pots
It makes a neat low hedge or container plant that stays in scale without much trimming.
Good to know
Around the pool
No thorns. Spring flowers draw bees and the small dark berries drop in summer and fall, so keep it a short step back from the water.
