Shrub or tree 3-5 m tall. Leaves are simple. Lamina is widely ovate with diamond or heart shaped base. Margin is entire. The flowers are in a side-panicles, 10-20 cm long, red or white. Flowering in May. The fruit are squeezed double capsules. Shoots: Shoots with glandulous hair, later hairless, smooth, round, with longitudinal lines. Natural range: South East Europe, Asia Minor; in our area introduced.