| LOROPETALUM AT A GLANCE COMMON NAME: Loropetalum
(lor-o-pet'a-lum) Greek for strap and petal, referring to shape of petals.
SPECIES: Loropetalum chinense (chi'nen'see) from China. Member of Hamamelidaceae or
witch hazel family.
SIZE: Height 6-10 feet, spread 8-9 feet.
FORM: Irregular and rounded with horizontal twigs giving flat foliage effect.
DESCRIPTION: Chinense: dark green foliage with white or cream flowers in March. Fruit,
summertime woody brown capsule.
VARIETIES: Loropetalum chinensis var. rubrum. Look for variety names: Pizazz, Plum
Delight, Burgundy or Razzleberri, fast-growing shrub with burgundy-purplish evergreen
leaves and sizzling pink flowers in spring; no known pest or disease problems. One of
1998's ``JC Raulston Selections'' which means the plant has been rated as a top performer
in the JC Raulston Arboretum at North Carolina State University. Look for ``JC Raulston
Selections'' on plant tags.
EXPOSURE: Sun or shade.
CULTURE: Prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil; tolerates some dryness.
PRUNING: None.
USES: Showy burst of flowers early spring and some flowers in summer; use as screen,
border, hedge or foundation shrub. Should be planted more widely, say horticulturists.
Excellent espaliered, or trained on a trellis or brick wall.
PROBLEMS: None.
Sources: Landscape Plants of the Southeast, Taylor's Guide to Gardening in the
South, Smithfield Gardens |
