Usually a big shrub but sometimes grafted onto a trunk to generate a small tree with a round crown. The slow growth means that it takes many years to develop into a tree of any size. Branches very densely, eventually becoming 3 - 4 m wide. The mid-green leaf is slightly glossy. The teardrop-shaped flower buds have soft hairs. They are visible on the plant before winter. The star-shaped flowers consist of 12 - 20 petals, bright pink on opening and becoming light pink to nearly white. Even young plants bear many flowers. Suitable for use in parks and gardens.