Description
A southern species that does well in our valleys, but often suffers some winter dieback at higher elevations. Conical clusters (10-14” long) of mostly sterile, white flowers slowly turn pinkish purple with age. Distinctive, deeply lobed, oak-like foliage turns attractive shades of bronze, maroon or purple in Autumn. Mature stems exfoliate to reveal a rich brown inner bark which is attractive in winter.
Hydrangea family, Hydrangeaceae
Photo by cultivar413, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Updated 18 March 2023