Helwingia chinensis – Narrow leaf form

One of only 4 members of the Helwingiaceae, this Chinese species forms a vigorous dense bushy evergreen shrub to about 2m or more with highly attractive, glossy, willow like foliage, emerging coppery-red and edged with small teeth. Green purple flowers open in the centre of the leaf(!) in summer, followed by black fruit on females. Hardy and suited to most soils in sun or shade, this suckers from the roots, making a thicket of