This is a very large and beautiful shrub! The striking layered horizontal branching on this broad, dense, deciduous shrub spreads to 15’ wide and 12′ tall. White flowers open in flat-topped clusters along the branches in mid to late spring. Each flower cluster grows 4-6” wide and has the look of a lacecap hydrangea, and clusters produce red berry-like drupes, which mature to black. Fruits are ornamental and also a great food source for birds. Foliage turns reddish purple in fall.
‘Mariesii’ honors Chelsea gardener Charles Maries (1851-1902).