There are many reasons to like this colourful foliage shrub. For the carefree gardener, this little shrub is a gem because it can take all sorts of neglect and still look superb. For gardeners with poor and dry soils, it’s perfect, as such conditions bring out the most intense red shades in its winter foliage. For container gardeners, it offers something a bit different, a great foliage contrast among the more usual plants for pots. Try it in a dark, dusky red pot.
In the shrub border it can make a stunning contrast to darker foliage, such as ‘Platt’s Black’ flax or Cordyline ‘Red Fountain’, and is amazing when combined with shrubs which have red berries, such as crab-apples. With orangey-bronze tussock grasses it’s also fascinating. Some people even adore it for the noise the foliage makes when you run your hand over it - a dry rustling sound that’s unusual for live foliage. For winter colour it’s superb.
It’s frost hardy, needs good drainage and sunshine - and don’t waste your money on giving it fertiliser as it looks best when starved.
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Schemes & Themes
using Liddle Wonder Plants