Brought from China and Japan and in cultivation since the 1880s this highly interesting tree won the Royal Horticultural Society’s First Class Certificate in 1893.

It is a small tree but a strong grower.

White strongly fragrant flowers enclosed in maroon calyces appear in August and September.

They are followed by bright blue berries and a glorious display of autumn foliage of luminescent reds to yellows.

It thrives on most soils but is best to avoid wet and exposed sites.

Although very hardy in England it would be put to the test if subjected to colder and more northerly aspects of the UK.

Mature height: 3-7m

Mature spread: 3-4m