All but the tender species are normally root hardy however the top dies but will grow away in the spring.

B. Silver Anniversary is a case in point, fantastic silver foliage which looks great in an herbaceous border. Grow in pots on a patio, this cultivar does not set seed but from the midlands north will require fleece in very cold winters.

Three excellent wall shrubs B. agathosma, B. colvilei ‘Kewensis’ and B. macrostachys, these may require fleece in very cold winters if they are to flower the following year.

17 listed in the collection at Longstock, a few are of botanical interest, but the other 10 are a valuable addition, adding interest and extending the flowering period.