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: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to June
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  In May and June the branches of this vigorous deciduous shrub are smothered with large, snowball-like clusters of white or green-tinted white flowers - which sometimes age to pink. With maple-like, fresh green leaves that become purple-tinted in autumn it's an excellent ornamental plant for a sunny shrub or mixed border with fertile, moist, well-drained soil.
  
  
• Garden care: After flowering prune established specimens, removing up to one in five of the oldest and weakest branches to the base. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.