This old fashioned stand by of the landscape is steady, graceful, and dainty, and lithesome… and tough as nails. Low growing, mounded, and very compact, this selection is very adaptable and is more cold hardy than its cultivars. Early spring will find this deciduous shrub flushed in a luminous brilliant green with small, long, pointed foliage serving as the backdrop for long lasting spikes of exquisite white flowers in early May. The willow-like foliage is a persistent dark green all summer, and then puts on a magnificent show in the fall, turning an intense deep burgundy color. Whether planted as a specimen, border, low hedge, used in containers or grouped together for full effect, make sure you place it in full sun to only part shade in humusy soil for best results, and be sure to prune considerably, but only after its flowering is done.