This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, acidic soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The spreading stems of this impressive shrub are clothed in large, deep green leaves, which have a paler and somewhat downy reverse. However, it's primarily grown for its flowers, which can grow up to 10cm across. Made up of creamy white petals and a prominent burgundy and pale greenish yellow eye, they are also lightly scented. They appear over a relatively long period from late spring, and because they are pendent, they can quite easily be admired from the ground. A substantial and showy plant, it could also be trained as a tree in smaller gardens.
  
  
• Garden care: Requires minimal pruning. Remove any broken, diseased or crossing branches in midsummer. The best time to plant is in April, adding plenty of ericaceous compost to the planting hole, in a sheltered spot. Mulch in spring with manure and leafmould, especially on dry soils.