- A small tree or shrub with a narrow, upright habit. It grows to a height of 6 m and a width of 3 m over many years.
- It blooms just before the leaves emerge, in April/May. The cup-shaped flowers, composed of fleshy petals, are cream-colored inside, pinkish-purple outside at the base, and light pink at the tips.
- It prefers a sunny, wind-sheltered location, with fertile, moist, and well-drained, humus-rich soil that is slightly acidic.
- In winter, especially young specimens, require shelter.
- Due to its early flowering, the flower buds are susceptible to frost.
