Q: How much sun does it need for the best foliage color?
A: For the most vibrant golden-yellow leaf margins, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) . In partial shade, the variegation may be less pronounced, and the foliage may appear more green.
Q: How large does it get, and can it be kept small?
A: In ideal conditions, it can reach 4-10 feet tall and spread up to 15 feet wide with its sprawling habit . However, it responds very well to pruning and can be maintained at a smaller size. For a tidy hedge, prune in late winter or early spring, and then lightly after each bloom flush.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: No, the berries are considered toxic to humans if ingested and can cause stomach upset . However, they are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife, which is one of the plant's key ornamental and ecological benefits.
Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is a tropical shrub, reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It will be damaged by frost. In cooler zones (8 and below), it is often grown as an annual or in a container that can be overwintered indoors in a bright, cool location .
Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is a magnet for wildlife. The nectar-rich, tubular flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and bees . The showy, golden-yellow berries that follow are a favorite food source for many species of birds .