Loropetalum chinense
Chinese Fringe Flower, Hazelberry, Chinese Fringe-flower
Description
The loropetal is a very decorative shrub with evergreen foliage and lively flowering. The leaves are a deep green and in some varieties purple in colour and remain decorative all year round, creating a unique aesthetic effect. During the spring, from March to May but with possible light re-flowering in the summer, the plant is covered in bright pink bow-shaped flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to gardens, borders and decorative pots.
A shrubby plant that grows up to 1/1.5 metres in height but which, when cultivated well, can also grow to around 3 metres; medium width and compact, with a neat habit that also lends itself to bonsai-like forms.
The loropetal is a robust and easy-to-grow plant, suitable for gardens of all styles. It likes exposure to half or full sun. Direct sun intensifies the colour of the leaves but may require more watering in hot periods.
Prefers acidic, well-drained soils rich in humus. Avoid limey soils which may cause chlorosis problems. Very suitable for use in gardens and parks either as a single specimen or in a row or low border if always pruned.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Magnoliophyta
- Class
- Angiospermae
- Order
- Saxifragales
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Genus
- Loropetalum
- Species
- Loropetalum chinense
