This evergreen shrub features a compact, rounded habit with dark green foliage that serves as a striking year-round backdrop in gardens. Typically hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, it thrives in temperatures ranging from -10°F to 20°F (-23°C to -6°C), making it suitable for a wide range of climates. In fall, its glossy foliage may take on subtle hues of deeper green tones, though it lacks pronounced fall color changes. Small, delicate white flowers bloom in spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn that provide ornamental interest and attract birds. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and exhibits excellent deer resistance, making it a practical choice for landscapes susceptible to browsing. This slow-growing shrub matures to a modest height of 4 to 7 feet, with a similar spread, creating a dense, rounded form perfect for foundation plantings or hedges.
