‘Purple Seedling’ is a medium-sized shrub or small tree with a rounded habit. Oblong leaves are initially grey-green changing to a brilliant scarlet in the fall. The flowers are small, fragrant thread-like reddish purple petals that emerge from a purplish maroon calyx. Each flower has four petals growing in tight clusters of three or four. As the leaves develop the flowers fade, followed by inconspicuous woody seed capsules. These shrubs need to be pruned after flowering in the spring to control shape and size.