This shrub is semi-evergreen, so it can lose some of its leaves in winter. In colder regions or more exposed gardens, it may lose them all, but then fresh new foliage appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The newly emerging foliage of this tough, ground-covering semi-evergreen, is often mainly creamy white, and this means it really stands out against a sea of green in the border. As it becomes fully developed however, the green splotches become more predominant, but it still maintains attractive variegations. Then, as the temperatures start to drop, pink tinges creep into the mix, and these persist through the winter. A great gap-filler at the front of the border, it also makes a super plant for patio pots.
  
  
• Garden care: Tip prune young plants in mid- to late spring to encourage bushy growth and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant. Remove any plain green-leaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to their origin.