Vintage Jade distylium forms a spreading, ground-hugging mound of dark evergreen foliage, wider than tall at roughly three by five feet, with small red flowers along the stems in winter. A witch hazel relative, it fills the role of boxwood, holly, or juniper in foundation plantings without their usual troubles.

It grows in full sun or part shade and takes drought, heat, and even wet soil once established, with excellent pest and disease resistance. Plant it, mulch it, and mostly leave it alone; a light shaping cut in spring is optional.