LOROPETALUM chinense Fire Dance

Unusual evergreen shrub, of medium sizes, which can reach 2-3 metres of height over 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, depending on 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 bright position while it tolerates the direct sun only during the coldest hours of day. It's better to avoid the totale shade which should limit the rich and pleasant blooming. This plant preferes acidic, rich, humid and well drained soils. It tolerates drought, but in summer periodical irrigations improve its general aspect and increase the next blooming. It tolerates even frigid temperatures. It doesn't need prunings, but after blooming you can reduce the branches in order to keep an agreeable and compact aspect. It can be grown also in big containers; in full grounds it can be used both as a single specimen to colour a corner of garden and to create a very particular border or hedge.