We planted 4 silverleaf bushes in the very front of our yard, where it was too hot and dry to grow much else. They are a desert plant, well suited to xeriscaping. There is one slight quandary involved in growing these shrubs. If left natural and not pruned, they periodically produce a dazzling display of purple flowers. However, after several years, they grow thin, tall and sprawling and are not very attractive when they aren't blooming. If, on the other hand, they are pruned regularly, they make excellent hedges and have an unusual soft silvery foliage. The frequent pruning though, unfortunately, substantially reduces the number of blossoms. We have had to opt for pruning since the plants are in locations where space is limited and the plants must look neat and well-kept. It would probably be possible to drastically prune less often, thereby letting the shrubs blossom unchecked in between, but the bare stems would be unattractive until new growth appeared and there's always the chance of killing the plants.