Copperleaf Dwarf

Copperleaf plants like full sun to part shade and the more sun, the brighter the leaf color. The white variety, however, seems to look its best in part sun to part shade. These shrubs do flower but with narrow, dangling, fuzzy blooms (called "catkins") similar in color to the foliage so the blossoms are all but invisible.

Add composted cow manure and top soil (or organic peat humus) to the hole when you plant. Trim occasionally for shape and height (do branch trimming rather than using hedge trimmers). Give the plant a hard pruning in spring (late March or early April) for bushier growth and to keep it the size you want. Keep a regular watering schedule for these shrubs. If they stay too dry for too long they won't look their best and the resulting stress can invite pests. Fertilize 3 times a year in spring, summer and fall with a good granular fertilizer.

A sunny spot will bring out the best color, though coppers will grow in partial shade. They're not strong, robust shrubs, so plant in an area sheltered from wind. Evergreen (though they can thin in winter) and moderately salt-tolerant, they're fast growers you can keep 3 to 5 feet.