Top 5... Classy evergreens
These choice shrubs will provide plenty of impact and interest through the year
1 Hebe ‘Heartbreaker’
The mound of slender, cream-edged foliage becomes flushed crimson through winter into spring. Prefers any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Mauve flowers in summer. H/S: 1m (3ft 3in). Tip Provide shelter in colder gardens. From www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
2 Choisya dewitteana ‘Goldfingers’
More compact and elegant in leaf than ‘Sundance’. Scented white flowers in spring and late summer. Likes well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H/S: 1.2m (4ft). Tip Grow in full sun for strongest colouration. From www.thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818.
3 Leucothoe axillaris ‘Curly Red’
This shrub features an attractive mound of glossy, curled and crimped foliage which turns deep red from autumn through winter. It requires moist, but well-drained acid soil in semi-shade to shaded position. H: 1.5m (5ft), S: 2m (6ft 6in). Tip Grow in pots of ericaceous compost if your soil is chalky. From www.thompson-morgan.com; tel: 0844 573 1818.
4 Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki'
Slow-growing shrub, with brightly variegated, holly-like leaves. Clusters of small, scented white flowers in autumn. Any moist,well-drained soil in sun to semi-shade. H/S: 1.5m (5ft).
Tip Ideal for a rock garden, a large container, or associating with dwarf conifers.
From www.bluebellnursery.com; tel: 01530 413700.
5 Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Paterson’
Compact, intricately branched shrub with small leaves that become dark green dusted with white, tinged pink in winter. Hardy to -10 (14F). Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Can be clipped and trained. H: 1.2m (4ft), S: 60cm (2ft).
Tip Grow in a pot as a feature, bringing it indoors in cold weather.
From: www.burncoose.co.uk; tel: 01209 860316.