Partial sun to full shade; regular water. Dense, bushy plant grows erect to 6ft high, spreading by underground stems to 5ft wide. Leaves are typically 6-12 in. long, with five to nine leaflets that resemble holly leaves. Ruddy or bronze new growth; scattered mature red leaves throughout the year. Leaves turn purplish or bronze in winter, especially in cold-winter areas or where plants are grown in full sun. Early spring flowers appear in 2-3 in. clusters along stems. Edible blue-black fruit with gray bloom (makes good jelly).