Flower: Very attractive, white, pink red or purple (depending on cultivar), occurring in long (8 inch) spike-like clusters, appearing in late summer.

Fruit: Dry, 6 parted, brown capsule in upright spikes, each capsule 1/2 inch long, persistent through the winter.

Twig: Slender, brown (initially red or green), ridged or angled, buds very small.

Bark: Gray brown, smooth, exfoliating and exposing shades of brown, reddish brown and green, very attractive.

Form: Medium to large shrub or a small multi-stemmed tree to 40 feet.