LOROPETALUM chinense Black Pearl

Unusual evergreen shrub, of medium sizes, which can reach 2-3 metres of height with the passing of time. It comes from China. Strongly branched from the base, it is characterized by stems growing above all in horizontal way. Leaves are small, alternate, oval and of a color going from dark green to dark red, according the variety taken in consideration. In late spring, bunches of flowers arise from the axil of leaves. They have narrow and linear petals similar to the Hamamelis ones and of different colors: pink in the FIRE DANCE variety and purple in the BLACK PEARL one.

It needs a sunny position, it can also be placed at the shade but in this case it will not bring an abundant blooming. It is suitable to any kind of soil, even if it prefers the dried and well drained ones. It tolearates drought, but in summer periodical summer irrigations can accellerate the growth and enrich the blooming. It tolerates salt so it is ideal for coastal gardens; it suffers intense and prolonged frosts. It can be grown in pots or big containers where it will show its beautiful hanging effect; in full ground it can be used for the base of trees and shrubs or to realize flower turfs which don't need cuts and tolerate even the heavy foot; it can also be placed on a wall or a escarpment from where it will softly hang down.