This is a useful evergreen shrub for winter interest in the open garden, shrub borders or containers and is grown for its dense dark green foliage and flowers which appear over a long period from late winter to spring. The pink flower buds open to tiny, star-shaped white flowers, carried in flattened heads and these are followed by small dark blue-black fruits. It can also be grown as an informal hedge and is shade-tolerant. To propagate, take cuttings in summer. The Royal Horticultural Society have given it the Award of Garden Merit.