An evergreen shrub that is grown for its lustrous, aromatic, dark green leaves rather than for the rather insignificant clusters of greenish-yellow flowers it bears in spring. This handsome, slow-growing shrub or small tree is perfect for screening and makes a lovely foil for deciduous flowering shrubs. It will thrive in most conditions, provided it is sheltered from strong winds, and it can also be clipped into a strong shape. The aromatic leaves are valuable, fresh or dried, for flavouring savoury stocks or sauces.

These plants are supplied as untrained bushes, although they can be trained into most shapes, such as balls or pyramids (as in the photo). You will need some patience to train them into topiary shapes though as they are quite slow-growing.