This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May and June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This tough, low-growing semi-evergreen will make a great addition to a patio pot, but it can also be used to add splashes of colour at the front of the border. Grown for its colourful foliage, which is an eye-catching blend of grey-green and creamy white, it will offer a fresh, bright feel to areas of partial shade, particularly if planted en-masse.
  
  
• Garden care: Tip prune young plants in mid to late spring to encourage bushy growth and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to the original branch.