A highly ornamental deciduous small tree to 9 m high with mid-green leaves which turn red and purple in autumn. This species grows best in part-shade to full-sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Masses of white to pink bracts (flowers) appear on bare branches during spring. Grows best in moist soils and responds favourably to mulching. Several cultivars are available including pink flowering 'Rubra' and the weeping cultivar 'Pendula'. Look for these and other cultivars at your local garden centre.