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'Loropetalum' Rubra - Loropetalum chinese
Available in 1 Gallon, 3 Gallon, 7 Gallon
Loropetalum is a finely textured evergreen shrub. It has a loose open form and will grow as high as 12 ft (3.7 m) and 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) wide. Loropetalum has a spreading habit with branches arranged in horizontal layers. Young shrubs have greater spread than height and are densely branched. When vertical stems are periodically removed loropetalum makes an effective large scale groundcover with some newer varieties selected especially for that purpose. The flowers are arranged in small clusters with each having 4 narrow straplike petals that droop downward. Flowers resemble those of its close relative the witchhazel. There are white and red flowered forms of loropetalum and both bloom prolifically beginning in late winter into spring and then continue sporadically throughout the summer. The green-leafed varieties have fragrant flowers that are white or yellowish. 'Rubra' and 'Razzleberri' are among several named red flowered forms and tend to bloom earlier than the white form. The red forms are much showier in bloom than the white whose flowers tend to get lost with the effect that the shrub just looks like it has lighter foliage color when in bloom.
Culture
Grows well in organically rich, gritty, acidic soil with good drainage but very adaptable to less than ideal conditions. Loropetalum has few pests and requires no pruning except to maintain desired size. Benefits from fertilizing 2 or 3 times a year.
Light
Prefers partial shade. Shifting or high shade is best.
Moisture
Moist but well drained. Drought tolerant once established
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7-10
Propagation
Plant fresh seed or by semi-ripe cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
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