Description

A fast growing, dense, evergreen, upright shrub or small tree that grows to 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It has glossy, medium green, oval, slightly undulating leaves that are held on dark, nearly black, new stems and dark fragrant purple flowers held in small clusters in the spring that are followed by small orange fruit. Plant in full coastal sun or part shade, with occasional watering. Seaside tolerant. Hardy to 15-20 ° F. An attractive tall hedge or screening plant that does particularly well in cooler coastal gardens. It requires a regular irrigation regime to persist and be presentable in the garden. These plants are not necessarily considered "thirsty". In cool coastal climates, once established in the landscape, it would require irrigation once a week to once every other week. In hotter and drier times of the year, it may require more frequent irrigation and may also not required any supplemental irrigation during winter or when spring rains are abundant. Tolerates full sun to light shade. Many varieties now available, some with variegated leaves.