A fast-growing, small, evergreen shrub with bright yellow foliage. An ideal choice for low and clipped hedges/borders and provides great color contrast in large gardens.
Suitable for topiary and potted specimens and displays blue flowers in Summer followed by orange-colored berries. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil enriched with organic matter but will tolerate enriched sandy soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils.
Grows well in tropical, subtropical and coastal conditions. Prefers regular watering but is drought tolerant once established. To maintain density and a good appearance, prune every 4-6 weeks and apply a slow release fertilizer at the beginning of Summer.
The lavender-blue or purple or white flowers appear in loose clusters, and both berries and blossoms are often seen on a plant. Flowers have a mild sweet vanilla-like smell.
Some Facts and Uses
The plant is used as an insect repellant
The plant is used in the treatment of fevers, skin itches
The plant is amenable to trimming and is often grown as a hedge. It is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses.
