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Prized for its striking dark grey or black young stems clothed with distinctive wavy small grey-green leaves edged with cream this large bushy evergreen shrub or small tree forms a natural oval. It makes a lovely backdrop to a sunny well-drained border and responds well to light clipping into a more formal shape. An excellent plant for warm coastal areas where it can successfully be grown as an attractive variegated windbreak or hedge.

• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. To thin or reduce growth prune mid-spring and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.