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Monday, February 22, 2010
Loropetalum chinense
Loropetalums are native to Japan and southeastern Asia. USDA Zones 7-10. Grows up to 12' high and 6-8' wide in full sun or semi-shaded conditions. Flowers have a stringy/papery appearance and are usually various shades of pink to red. There is also a less popular white form. Flushes of bloom appear several times throughout the year. New leaves have a reddish tint and old leaves may also develop a red-orange coloration before dropping. They are drought tolerant once established. Loropetalums are often seen trimmed into short shrubs in roadway medians or parking lot islands but I think their true beauty is in their natural form as a small ornamental tree.
I agree about the loropetalum looking best as a small tree form. How did they survive the recent freeze? Thanks for the post, I've been wanting to plant my loropetalum and I think I'll choose a place to let it be free!
ReplyDeleteAndrea from the Space Coast
Loropetalums are absolutely beautiful. I love the shades of red and pink (pink is my favorite color). Please post more photos of these beautiful plants
ReplyDeleteNot well known in Maryland; I did plant one last year that is currently buried under a pile of snow. I do suspect it will come back when I cut it back to about 6 inchesin a few weeks. I have never seen a mature plant in Maryland but being that they are very beautiful plants I would definately like to find out. I want to do a feature on them but so far I don't know anywhere around here where I can photograph them.
ReplyDelete