Group of shrubs typically grown for their foliage as background plantings, hedges, or screens. Italian buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus)—a large, evergreen shrub that grows 12-15’ tall and wide from the Mediterranean region—is the most widely available of the buckthorns. Italian buckthorn is adapted to coastal and inland environments and tolerates clipping and pruning well. R. a. ‘Variegata’ has leaves with cream edges.