THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 17, 1995 TAG: 9509150086
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
IN CASE YOU haven't noticed during this growing season, purple is the big color in gardening for 1995-96. Purple is everywhere in annuals, perennials and now in trees and shrubs.
One new flowering shrub named Loropetalum has raced from laboratory to market because of its unusual color. It arrives with variety names such as ``Blush'' and ``Burgundy.''
Related to witch hazel, Loropetalum is a large evergreen shrub with graceful, arching branches. In place of the creamy white flowers and dark green foliage common to the species, ``Blush'' and ``Burgundy'' have shocking pink flowers in late winter to early spring and purple-red-brown foliage.
In Zone 8, where most of us live, it should be evergreen, although this winter will be the first widespread test.
About 40 nurseries and gardens throughout the United States have propagated and are growing Lorapetalum. The Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which imported and tested the plant, says that three or four years are normally needed to introduce a new plant to the marketplace. In contrast, Lorapetalum caught the fancy of the industry within a year.
Niche Gardens in Chapel Hill grows and sells Loropetalum chinensis var. Rubrum. This is their third year of growing it. Owner Kim Hawks says the plant seems happy up to Zone 7, in light shade and on a site protected from wind, if possible.
McDonald Garden Centers sell Loropetalum ``Plum Delight'' with hot pink flowers and purple foliage, recommended for sun or shade. They call it their ``1995 Plant of the Year.'' Other local nurseries also may stock it.
I purchased one a year ago by mail from Wayside Gardens. Like so many mail-order plants, it was small when shipped. Mine was planted where it had tough competition from taller, more aggressive plants, and it didn't survive.
My second try, a much larger ``Plum Delight,'' is alive and healthy. It is planted in filtered sunlight near a redbud (Cercis), which has similarly colored blooms. My Lorapetalum is only 18 inches tall but is supposed to grow into a 6-foot shrub.
It's foliage is attractive all year, and it is a real attention-getter when in bloom. If you're looking for a new, unusual plant, Loropetalum may be it. Fall is an excellent time for planting. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
ROBERT STIFFLER
Loropetalum is a new evergreen shrub with purplish foliage and
bright pink blooms. It's a real attention-getter.
by CNB