The Southern Living™ Plant Collection, in conjunction with Plant Development Services, Inc. (PDSI™), offers three Loropetalum cultivars that bring a new look to southern landscape gardens. They are nothing like traditional Loropetalum plants that are upright and vase-shaped at maturity, and may grow 10 to 15' high with an equal width. These cultivars remain compact and fulfill a range of functions in southern landscape gardens such as:
- Container plantings,
- Ground covers,
- Hedges, and
- Foundation plantings.
Loropetalum Characteristics
Loropetalum chinense (Chinese fringe-flower) and its cultivars are evergreen with small broad leaves, 1 to 1½" and ¾ to 1¼" wide. As the scientific name suggests, these plants are Asian in origin and were introduced to horticulture around 1880.
They, like other members of the witch hazel plant family (Hamamelidaceae), are:
- Deer resistant,
- Disease resistant, and
- Drought tolerant once established.
Loropetalum chinense cultivars thrive in:
- U. S. D. A. plant hardiness zones 7-9 (0°F to 30°F) (-17°C to -1°C),
- Soil that is acidic, humus-rich, well-drained to semi-moist, and
- Full sun to part shade.
Some Loropetalum chinense cultivars are also mildew-resistant, an important plant characteristic in southern weather conditions.
Loropetalum chinense cultivars begins to flower in late spring – March to April – and the 3/4" flowers last for two to three weeks and often bloom sporadically in summer and autumn. Flower petals are strap-shaped and about 1/16" wide, imparting the look of a fluffy cloud to a plant in full bloom.
Southern Living™ Plant Collection Loropetalum chinense Cultivars
- Purple Pixie® is a weeping Loropetalum that grows 1 to 2' high and 4 to 6' wide. Its flowers are vivid pink and stand out against year-long deep purple foliage. The weeping habit of Purple Pixie® suggests using it in hanging baskets, window boxes, and other containers, as well as edging in foundation and perennial beds or as a ground cover.
- Purple Diamond® grows 4 to 5' tall and wide. Its pink flowers appear in spring and sometimes in summer, against rich purple foliage which maintains its color throughout the year. The slow self-controlled growth of Purple Diamond® makes it a good choice for edges of foundation plantings, mixed in hedgerows or by itself in low hedges.
- Emerald Snow™ is a Loropetalum chinense cultivar that is new, but with limited availability, for the 2009 growing season. Its lime-green new growth develops into thick, glossy-green foliage that shows off white, delicate-appearing flowers in spring and occasionally in summer and fall. This cultivar grows 3 to 4' wide and tall and is a good choice for edges of foundation plantings, mixed in hedgerows, or by itself in low hedges. Emerald Snow™ requires little pruning and is a low-maintenance plant.
More Information about Plants for Southern Landscape Gardens
- Flowering Plants for Southern Garden Landscapes: Athens Select™ Plants and Southern Living™ Plant Collections in 2009
- Winter Berries in Southern Garden Landscapes: Fruiting Trees and Shrubs Mean Color and Food for Fruit-eating Birds
Georgene A. Bramlage - Suite 101 Landscaping Feature Writer and Topic Editor Free-lance Garden and Landscape Writer and Consultant
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