Compact evergreen for acid soil with red young leaves. Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained acid soil or ericaceous compost Rate of growth: slow-growing Flowering period: April to May Hardiness: fully hardy A pretty, small, variegated, evergreen shrub with bright red, young leaves which develop silvery-white edges, contrasting beautifully with the older leaves. In mid and late spring, clusters of pretty, white, nodding bell-like flowers resembling lily-of-the-valley appear. This compact shrub looks wonderful in a shady shrub border with well-drained, acid soil or in a container in a patio or courtyard garden. Garden care: Add composted pine needles or ericaceous compost when planting and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch each year around the base of the plant in early spring. Remove the faded flower heads in late spring along with any frost-damaged foliage.
