This plant prefers more shade, but will tolerate a wide range of soils and is tolerant of the higher alkaline content present in Colorado soils. The plant blooms with intensely fragrant flowers in late March or early April and continues to bloom sporadically throughout the summer months. This plant is a hybrid produced by the U.S. National Arboretum. It has nearly evergreen leaves and doesn't need a lot of water to thrive. It holds its leaves into the winter after turning purple.
Flowers appear in late spring, followed by reddish-black fruit.
This hardy plant requires little water after it is established. Cobalt blue flowers cover the leaves from April to June.