The lace-cap style flowers feature sterile florets in pale pink to blue, depending on the acidity of the pH of the soil (more acid brings out blue). The dark green leaves turn red to maroon in fall, providing a remarkable addition to the late season landscape. This hardy deciduous shrub should be protected from deer and rabbit browse in winter, particularly if the snow cover is prolonged. Partially shaded locations in moderately fertile, well-drained soils are ideal.