| General Description | Large, vigorous spreading deciduous shrub or small tree. |
| Shape | Large and broad-spreading shrub with multiple trunks. |
| Landscape | Excellent specimen plant. |
| Propagation | Propagate through softwood cuttings or layering. |
| Cultivation | Grow in a moist, rich, well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade, making sure to avoid any soil extremes (wet or dry). May take 3-5 years before any flowers appear, and planting in a protected area is best as flowers my be damaged by early spring frosts. |
| Pests | Generally pest and disease free. |
| Notable Specimens | Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England. Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Bark is silver-grey with purple-brown twigs. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves are dark shiny green above, often pubescent beneath, growing to 16.5 x 12 cm. |
| Flower Description | Flowers are fragrant, up to 20 cm across, blooming before the foliage emerges, with sporadic late blooms on new growth. The flowers are goblet-shaped, and are deep purple with a white inside. |
| Fruit Description | Rarely produces fruit. |
