Brown edges might be physiological leaf burn. It is not what normal healthy leaves look like on this plant. However, the whole point of the thing is the dwarf growth. If you want flowers or blazing fall color, you definitely won't see the first and probably won't see the second.

Ours were on the east side of the house. I don't remember an autumn display. I do remember that after some years, they began to develop a mildew that gave off a strong catty smell.

Right by the door.

At least that's how I remember it. It was a long time ago.

I am sure the spent, fallen leaves were trapped by the stubby branches, had to be laboriously picked out of the shrubs - or looked at until they disappeared on their own.

I can still see them sitting there with the soggy brown leaves among poky red vertical twigs, like some kind of overwhelmed office organizational aid in an abandoned building.