Evergreen shrubs, superficially similar in appearance to rhododendrons, but in late winter through spring, are pendent panicles hanging with urn-like small flowers, white through pink. New foliage can often emerge in attractive colours of red or bronze. Needing a neutral to acidic soil.
The dense sprays of flowers, produced in spring, are a valuable source of nectar for bumblebees and other bees, especially in lightly shaded conditions.