Showy medium sized, flowering, evergreen shrub.  This shrub features glossy dark-green foliage, fragrant white flowers in spring, and red berries that mature to black. It forms a strong foundation planting and works well as a tall screen or hedge. Highly versatile this species tolerates heat and a wide variety of soil types as well as wet or dry soil conditions. Reasonably drought tolerant once established and prefers a full sun to partial shade exposure. 

• Leaves: Thick, leathery, oval-shaped evergreen leaves with a glossy dark green color and slightly toothed edges
• Fruit: Produces small, berry-like fruits that mature from red to dark purple or nearly black and may attract birds
• Bark: Young stems are green to gray-brown, becoming woody and more textured as the shrub matures
• Flowers: Clusters of small, fragrant, tubular white to pale pink flowers typically appear from late winter through spring
• Size: A dense, rounded evergreen shrub typically reaching 6-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide, though it can be maintained smaller with pruning
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast-growing, developing into a dense shrub that responds well to pruning and shaping
• Tolerance: Performs well in full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of heat, drought once established, and a variety of well-drained soils; well suited to warm climates and protected locations