This semi-evergreen shrub is an excellent choice for year-round interest, boasting dense, upright, and spreading habit with leathery, dark green leaves that provide a striking texture. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8, it thrives in moderate temperatures and shows good deer resistance. In late spring, creamy-white, fragrant flower clusters appear, followed by red fruits that ripen to black, attracting birds to your garden. While it does not showcase significant fall color, its persistent foliage keeps the garden lively. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils, adapting to partial shade or full sun. Reaching a mature height of 8–10 feet with a similar spread, this shrub works well as a standalone specimen, in mixed borders, or as a hedge.
