Loropetalum chinense - Loropetalum, Chinese fringe tree
Family Hamamelidaceae
Description:
One or two species of Loropetalum are native to Asia. Typically, this species grows as a large evergreen shrub. The first plants brought into cultivation in the United States had green leaves and white flowers. Later cultivars with pink flowers and reddish or purplish foliage have proven much more popular in the landscape industry. Flowers appear in late winter.
Location:
See plants at several sites including parking lot 2 and the north side of building 10.
Size:
Large shrub or small tree that can grow to about fifteen feet tall. It appears that the early "dwarf" selections grow slowly but can reach large sizes in time.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: drought tolerant once established
Soil: average soil, wide pH tolerance, no special requirements
This is an easy plant for northeast Florida gardens.