Seeds of this cross were embryo-cultured to expedite seedling production. A superior young plant from this hybrid population was selected for intensive evaluation in 1960, named 'Cayuga', and released in 1966. The individual flowers open from one side of the inflorescence in such a way that nearly all of the flower clusters display pink buds accenting the white, waxy flowers. In addition, it has a fairly compact growth habit and dark green, medium-textured foliage with tolerance to bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew. Deciduous, fairly compact shrub with spreading branches.
Leaves are smaller and less coarse in texture than other selections of V .
Fall color is a dull orange red. Abundant, terminal, compound cymes, each with 20-35 florets. Glistening pink buds open to white, waxy flowers. Flowers appear with young leaves in late April and open progressively from one side of the inflorescence to the other. Flowers are slightly scented.