Loropetalum chinense Ruby Snow ('Iwai'PBR)
Chinese witch hazel [Ruby Snow]
A compact, semi-evergreen shrub to around 50cm high, with a spreading habit and oval-shaped, dark green leaves strongly flushed with purple-bronze, especially when young. Scented, tassel-like white flowers with long narrow petals are produced in early spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green Purple | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green Purple | |||
Autumn | Green Purple | |||
Winter | Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Genus
Loropetalum are evergreen, free-flowering, shrubs with star-shaped hairs. Flowers are in clusters at the end of short branches, with thin, strap-like petals similar to those of their witch hazel relatives, and also produced in late winter and early spring
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in sun or part shade with shelter from cold winds. May need watering in dry spells in summer. Not suitable for waterlogged or shallow chalk soils
Propagation
Propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer. As this plant is protected by Plant Breeders' Rights, any propagation should be for personal rather than commercial use
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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