An upright, vase shaped shrub with a somewhat open habit. Flowers are white-topped, 3-5" cymes produced in late May followed by showy berries ranging from bright red, cherry-red, or scarlet. Since the fruit is unpalatable to birds, it persists into the winter like withered raisins. Most dilatatums favor planting of at least different cultivars for maximum fruiting. Foliage is dark green with pubescence on both sides. Fall color may be inconsistent but varies from russet-red, bronze, or burgundy but does hold late into the fall. Native to China and Japan.
Most V. dilatatum (except those few that are reported to be self fertile) require a pollinator for fruit production. Plant another cultivar or seedling for pollination. For pollination and added contrast, consider planting a red fruiting and yellow fruiting cultivar.