Loropetalum
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 Loropetalum Chinensis Rubrum
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Loropetalum chinensis |
Loropetalum is a genus of 3 species of shrub in the witch-hazel family, Hamamelidaceae, native to Japan and south-eastern Asia.
The name Loropetalum refers to the shape of the flowers and comes from the greek loron meaning strap and petalon meaning petal. Flowers are produced in clusters during spring and are similar to those of the closely related witch-hazel. Each flower consists of four to six (depending on species) slender strap shaped petals 1-2 cm long.
The species are:
- Loropetalum chinensis - white flowering variety up to 3.7m tall, pink flowering variety up to 1.5m tall
- Loropetalum lanceum - up to 13m tall, white flowers
- Loropetalum subcordatum - up to 12m tall
[edit] Loropetalum chinensis
L. chinensis is commonly known as the Chinese fringe flower. Two forms of L. chinensis exist; a white (to pale yellow) flowering green leafed variety and a pink flowering variety with leaves varying from bronze-red when new to olive-green or burgundy when mature depending on selection and growing conditions.
They are evergreen with branches forming horizontal layers. The leaves are alternately arranged, ovate up to 5 cm long by 3.5 cm wide and have a slightly abrasive feel.
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[edit] Cultivation and uses
L. chinensis grows best in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun for deepest foliage colour and is hardy down to -3 deg. It is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its prolific clusters of flowers and (in the case of the pink flowering variety) deeply coloured foliage that may contain various green, copper, purple and red tones.
