The Loropetalum - A Wonderful Evergreen Shrub

The Loropetalum is a wonderful evergreen shrub. There are many different varieties to choose from. This shrub family has become more popular over the last few years. Many people love the deep green color of the leaves as well as purple and green leaves in some of the plant specimens. Most of the varieties can grow fine in zones five through eight. I have used many of this plant family in various style gardens. Along the foundation, a smaller version is stunning. In an open area or large landscape bed, the larger specimens reveal a sensational focal point. This shrub also is nice as an accent in gardens. The entire plant family can take some shade but does like some hours of sunlight. Take a look below at a couple of purple leaf varieties.

Close Up	Full Bloom

There are several different popular varieties of the purple and green tone leaves. Here is a brief description of some of the plants.

• Ruby - this is the smallest of the Loropetalum family. Beautiful pink tone flowers bloom through the year. The Ruby will grow three to five feet tall and two to three feet wide. This is a wonderful shrub to put along the foundation or in a smaller landscaped area.
• Purple Majesty - this plant is stunning in a good size garden bed or an open area. The branches sprawl out and there are beautiful purple - pink flowers that arrive during the spring. The Majesty will produce blooms throughout the growing season. This plant will reach six to eight feet high and four to six feet wide. Absolutely stunning in front of a row or staggered row of evergreen trees. Take a look at the two pictures below and see the beautiful contrast of color.

Deep Rich Purple Color	Rheingold Arborvitae And Loropetalum

• Fire Dance - The flowers in the Fire Dance have darker pink tones. It will grow four to six feet high and two to three feet wide. When the leaves are young, they have a striking deep purple tone. When they get older the leaves tend to turn green with lesser purple tones in them. This particular Loropetalum can also be put in a good size planter on a patio, porch or deck.
• Raspberry Fringe - This is another smaller plant like the Ruby. It will grow anywhere from four to six feet high and three to six feet wide. When the plant matures the leaves turn a darker green. The pink flowers appear in late March to April in the warmer climates and late April to May in the cooler regions.
• Sizzling Pink or Burgundy - can grow from six to ten feet high and about the same in width. This particular shrub changes color more often then some of the other varieties. When the Burgundy is young, the leaves are deep in nature in both the green and purple tones. When autumn approaches, the leaves tend to turn a richer red color. Take a look at some photos of pictures of variegated evergreen shrubs that go well next to a Loropetalum. Any of these variegated shrubs would look great, especially shrubs such as a Lemon Thread Cypress, Sudworth Arborvitae, or a Golden Euonymus.
• Zhuzhou - brilliant darker color leaves that look more like the maroon family. This shrub will grow anywhere from eight to ten feet high and six to eight feet wide. The flowers bloom throughout the year and the Zhuzhou is the largest member of this family. The Zhuzhou also may have to be pruned more often. Take a look at some photos below of how a Loropetalum can grow quickly, and how to properly prune this shrub.

Needs Pruning	Close Up Of Leaves

These pictures were taken recently, during the beginning of fall. This plant family can be drought tolerant once established. When first planted, use a regular watering schedule to get the roots going in the ground. The next set of pictures are the beginning process of pruning this group of plants.

Bottom Half Done	Top Remaining

I usually start pruning from the bottom and work my way around. I like to keep the shrub in its natural shape. Notice how the top is left until last. Once the top is trimmed, go back with the pruners or a sharp pair of scissors and do the final shaping. Here is a picture of this shrub all pruned.

Shrub Fully Pruned