This evergreen shrub is a really useful tough plant which thrives in sun or shade. If left alone it will grow into a large evergreen shrub or small tree. We often use it for low hedging but it can also be pruned into topiary shapes or used in pleached form for evergreen privacy. It has attractive dark red new stems and deep green leaves. If left unpruned a profusion of small, fragrant white flowers appear in early summer followed by small, dark purple fruits. A fantastic tough plant.