Loropetalum chinense rubrum, 'China Pink' Fringe flower

Loropetalum chinense rubrum, Fringe flower

(Family: Hamamelidaceae)

This attractive and hardy shrub will grow anywhere from Brisbane to Melbourne and at the moment it is showing its brilliant carmine pink flowers. When not in flower it has deep burgundy leaves which makes for an interesting contrasting colour in any garden or landscape. The one pictured here has been pruned to a rounded 2 metre shrub but the natural shape is more open and weeping, often with a curved and arching main trunk, sort of like a giant bonsai. There is a white flowering form as well and in its native habitat of southern China it is called Jimu which translates as silk ribbon making reference to the appearance of the flowers. This shrub is not fussy as to soil type and will tolerate dry conditions well. If left unpruned it may reach 3 metres or more but can be kept at any height as it responds well to even quite hard pruning.
2017 update: I currently don't have any stock.