The New Nursery Blog: How do you decide which Loropetalum?

Not too many years ago, we old timers never heard of the word Loropetalum. (At least these purple ones)

Along came Barry Yinger from the USDA and trips to Korea, China and Japan and now Loropetalum is a household name.

But now we have the question, “Which One?”

Let New Nurseries help you with choosing the best.

LOW GROWING

Pixie- new patent from PDSI and in the Southern Living Collection, Pixie stays almost flat, 6”-12” prostrate ground hugging. Makes a great accent in a container flowing over the sides. Keep Pixie dry, dry, dry. He’s very touchy to overwatering which makes a great plant for containers. I have even seen a few in large hanging baskets with accent color that look unexpected and elegant. Mix the purple of Pixie with whites, or even Spanish Moss for a tropical look. Available at all New Nurseries in 3 gallon and 7 gallon.

MEDIUM GROWING

Plum Delight- trademarked by Hines Nursery in the early 90’s, Plum Delight is a robust medium grower that keeps the purple foliage better than others. (Many turn to a muted dingy brown-purple as the weather gets warmer) Plum Delight is the best foundation shrub of all the Loropetalum varieties because he’s (or she???) more dense and compact than others. Part shade or full sun. Looks great with white caladiums or impatiens.

Purple Diamond- this little boy has the manners your mother tried to teach you. Tidy, uniform and compact. Good color, great performer. Not always easy to find at most wholsale nurseries….until you try The New Nurseries.

LARGE GROWING

Ever Red Sunset – WOW! Best blooms ever, Clear red and luminous foliage. Undoubtedly the best color. A bit untidy if allowed to go unpruned.

ZhouZhou Fuchsia- Can’t say that too many times without a tongue twisting. Z-Z gets big, which in turn makes one of the BEST small ornamental trees. Very picturesque, almost a poor Southerner’s Japanese Maple. However, don’t feel too sorry for the poor southerner, this Big Daddy blooms its head off and makes a stunning accent if pruned to a small tree. 30 gallon specimen trees arrive at New Nursery Central and New Nursery West March 1.

BEST BLOOMER

Emerald Snow- a white selection of green foliaged Loropetalum that blooms, blooms….blooms. Want another bloom cycle? Just tip the plant lightly with pruning shears and in 3 weeks here comes another set of blooms. Emerald Snow is another superior selection from the Southern Living Collection. Looks great combined with Plum Delight or Purple Diamond.