Shrub with spreading, lenticellate branches. Leaves entire (then 2-4 cm long, 0.8-2 cm broad, ovate-lanceolate to oval), or divided to pinnate in all stages, usually on the same plant, petiolate. Inflorescence not confined to the ends of branchlets, panicles lax, arising from lateral buds on a longer portion of the branchlet. Calyx 2 mm long, more or less distinctly 4-toothed. Corolla lilac or white, tube cylindric, c. 1 cm long, lobes about half the length of the tube and more, broadly oval. Pollen fertile. Capsule 4-angled, c. 1 cm long, 3 mm wide, of equal diameter, dark rufous, obtusish or short-pointed, opening into 2 halves.

Fl. Per.: May-June. Fruit: July-August.

Distribution: Origin most likely in Western China, cultivated along the Great Silk Route through Kabul and Teheran since ancient times.