Clusters of scented, creamy-white flowers appear at the ends of the branches from late summer, and long after they have fallen, the pinkish-red calyxes often remain colourful, deepening to rich burgundy as they age.

When not in flower the lustrous green leaves are deeply veined, and hang in elegant pairs along the branches, often tinged with claret before falling.

Heptacodium miconioides, from the honeysuckle family, is either a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, is loved by butterflies and makes a stylish and unusual addition to the garden.