Light. Plant in full sun.
Water. Water regularly while it establishes, then give moderate water. It likes soil that stays moist but drains well.
Soil and feeding. It grows in moist, well-drained soils.
Size. Grows to about 5 ft tall with a similar spread; vigorous plants can reach about 6 ft tall and wide. It grows fast.
Pruning. It is a vigorous, woody shrub suited to hedges and screens, so expect regular trimming to keep a hedge in shape.
Good to know. Native to tropical Africa. It is evergreen, with small oval leaves, and its flowers are borne singly in the leaf joints. A white-flowered form, 'Alba', also exists.
