Loropetalum chinense Rouge de la Majorie

Loropetalum chinense 'Rouge de la Majorie' has many advantages, both ornamental and behavioural. Its dark purple foliage beautifully highlights the slightly purplish red flowering in late winter and spring, which can repeat in summer. This medium-sized variety has a more upright and less wide habit than other cultivars, it tolerates the sun well and is more drought-tolerant than the species, also showing greater cold resistance. An evergreen shrub, ornamental throughout the year, to be grown in the ground or in containers.

Loropetalum is a shrub of the Hamamelidaceae family, which includes 23 genera and 80 species, often grown in gardens, such as Parrotia persica with its sumptuous autumn colours, Fothergilla with its white bottlebrush-like flowers, and of course Witch Hazels.
Loropetalum is a genus reduced to a few species, of which L. chinense is the best known. It is native to forests and thickets in the Himalayas, China, and the northern and eastern regions of India, where it grows up to 1200m altitude. It forms a dense shrub, 1.50 to 2.50m tall, with leaves 4 to 7cm long on short petioles. The flowering consists of numerous sessile flowers, resembling those of Witch Hazels, with four elongated white petals. The genus name comes from the Greek "lôron", which means strap or strip, and "petalon" (petal). There is a purple form (L. chinensis var rubrum) with smaller leaves (5cm long), from which some cultivars like 'Rouge de la Majorie' originate.
'Rouge de la Majorie' is a horticultural creation introduced to the market in 2019 by a group of nurserymen from the Centre-Val de Loire (LVHS). It stands out for its upright habit - while others tend to spread - forming a small shrub 1.20 to 1.50m tall and 80cm wide. The silhouette is irregular, a bit tousled, and the branches are dense. The foliage is significantly smaller than the species, with elliptical leaves measuring 2.5 to 3.5cm long and 2 to 2.5cm wide. They are alternately positioned on the slender branches and have a beautiful dark purple colour. The evergreen foliage is ornamental all year round.
The flowering, typical of the Hamamelidaceae family, is the second strong point of this shrub. Appearing in April in average climates, and lasting for nearly two months, it is not uncommon for it to bloom again in summer. It is particularly attractive and consists of flexible and narrow filaments, measuring approximately 2 to 2.5cm long and only 2mm wide. The flowers with four filaments bloom at the tips of numerous branches, grouped to form very decorative small tufts. Their red, slightly purplish colour, perfectly harmonises with the foliage and creates a magnificent spectacle.
This cultivar is more frost-resistant than the botanical species and can withstand temperatures as low as -15 to -17°C, once well-rooted and in well-draining soil (excess water accentuates the effects of cold). A young plant should be protected with a non-woven cover during the first winter if temperatures approach -8°C. It also tolerates the sun and drought better, but will always prefer slightly moist soil. It can be grown in full sun in average climates but will thrive better under light shade in the south. In climates that are too harsh, it can be grown in a large container to protect it during severe cold spells.

Loropetalum chinense 'Rouge de la Majorie' is a true gem for small gardens. Its limited growth allows it to fit easily in a flower bed, where its dark foliage will create beautiful combinations. If you like strong contrasts, plant a Physocarpus opulifolius 'Tiny Wine Gold' next to it, a small shrub with golden leaves in spring and pinkish-white flowers, followed by small red fruits. In the same vein, Cornus alba 'Aurea' is a dogwood whose foliage changes from golden in spring to green in summer, before turning lemon yellow and then pinkish-red! In winter, its bright red wood continues to contrast with the dark purple of your Loropetalum. The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Tricolor' will also be a great companion. This Hydrangea with beautiful green foliage variegated with yellow and cream will have a great effect next to the purple vegetation of 'Rouge de la Majorie', while its pale pink flowers will bloom from mid-summer to autumn.