Bartlettina sordida is a dense evergreen shrub with strong stems and large light green, veined, ovate leaves that are about 20cms long.
In springtime it produces large corymbs of lilac pom pom type flower heads that make quite an impression in the middle and rear of mixed borders. They are fragrant and smell of lilac and honey and like lilac they are very good at attracting butterflies
It's a big and dense bush that needs a fair bit of space around it to look its best, but has the advantage of being able to be grown under trees.
It does not like frosts and prefers a light, dappled shade with special care to avoid the scorching late afternoon sun.