Description
Large, upright, compact, evergreen shrub (H 4-5 m, W 2-3 m). Crown dense, regular, pyramidal to broadly conical. Young shoots red to brown-red, ornamental. Leaves broadly lanceolate to ovate (6-8 cm), smooth, slightly leathery, glossy, distinctly dark green, lighter beneath. Flowers in upright clusters (12-20 cm), simple (1 cm), white. Flowering period: June. Fruits globose to egg-shaped (up to 1 cm), fleshy, dark red to dark violet-red. Ripening time: August-September. Grows best in a sheltered position, protected from dry, cold wind and very low temperatures, in moderately moist, deep, fertile soils. Not reliably hardy in central-european continental climate, needs winter protection. Easily withstands summer drought and heat, shade and pruning.