It has an erect habit, with most canes growing upright. Some are weeping, creating a wild, unkempt look. The form varies depending on the variety. It grows at a rapid rate and is long-lived. The early spring flower is the most appealing feature of this plant.
Flowers are usually profuse, and open before the leaves emerge on the plant.
With an unusually mild winter, bloom may occur as early as late January, but usually occurs in March. Flowers will last for two or three weeks unless killed by cold. The yellow flower color varies with varieties, ranging from pale to deep yellow. The flowers are 1 to 1 inches long and wide, bell-like and produced in clusters. They bloom on last year's wood.