Stems tend to be upright, but the uppermost ends of the branches cascade down, giving the plant a vase-like shape. Grow its where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. The leaves, aromatic when crushed, are light green or pink when young. Small white fragrant flowers are followed by fruits which turn from red to black. When fully ripe, they are very attractive to birds.
Specimens are often multi-trunked, with an open, graceful habit.
Spicewood is a splendid choice for a lightly shaded location. Its shiny, dark green leaves set off the attractive pink-red new growth. In the fall, clusters of small, white flowers appear in the axils of leaves, followed by brilliant red fruits which ripen the following spring, attracting birds. The red-berry stopper, rarely available for sale, is exceptionally beautiful and enduring in the landscape. Fragrant white flowers are produced from January to April.