Loropetalum chinense is commonly known as loropetalum, Chinese fringe flower and strap flower is a shrub or small tree in the witch-hazel family, Hamamelidaceae.

Description

They are evergreen with branches forming horizontal layers. The leaves are alternately arranged, ovate 1 to 2 in long by 1 in wide, and have a slightly abrasive feel.

Cultivation and uses

Loropetalum chinense grows best in fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun for deepest foliage colour and is hardy down to -15 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit). 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. The leaves, flowers and roots of L. chinense are all used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Cultivars

Two forms of L. chinense 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.

Cultivar List

Gallery