The distinguishing feature of the 'Ever Red' is its Spring new growth, new buds and leaves are covered with very thin silvery hairs, which give the new growth an almost grey look. This pubescence is soon lost and the leaves bright red, the typical colour of this cultivar.
As the name implies this plant keeps its red colour up to mid-summer. Planting it in a sunny or partly shaded spot will influence the duration of the colour. A partly shaded spot can make the deep colour shades last longer. In late summer the bronze-green colour will prevail while in Autumn this will be bright red.
'Ever Red' is strong dissectum with a typical pendulous habit, it can grow up to 4 or 5 metres in height with a similar width. The old European 'Nigrum' cultivar should be considered synonymous with 'Ever Red'.