One of the toughest evergreens on the planet. Left to its own devices, a wild disorganised thing so whatever we do with it, clipping is always involved.
The frost hardiness plus the ability to withstand salty winds is what makes this so outstanding. It also has surprisingly fragrant little flowers in autumn and they are born on the old wood which means you have a piece of topiary that flowers. (Most unusual – normally you’d be removing the wood that produced the flowers).
Apart from being so tough and reliable, it grows quite fast (it’s a hybrid between two species and you often get what’s known as ‘Hybrid Vigour’ – the offspring is more vigorous than either of the parents). Excellent for a hedge by the seaside or anywhere else but our main use is as clipped trees and stilted hedges.
Left alone, it can grow to 3.5x3.5m