Leaf: Opposite, simple, broadly ovate, 2 to 4 inches long, 1 1/2 to 3 inches wide, heart-shaped, entire, dark green to bluish green above, lighter below.
Flower: Color is dependent of cultivar, may be light purple, pink or white fragrant, flowers in late spring in terminal clusters, 4 to 7 inches long.
Fruit: Dry, brown capsules, 1/2 inch long.
Twig: Stout, 4 sided or ridged, lustrous brown, raised lenticels
Buds: large, green, turning purple in the winter.
Bark: Gray to gray-brown, smooth but becoming finely shreddy when large.
Form: A multi-stemmed, suckering, tall shrub, up to 15 feet in height.