Loropetalum chinense

Loropetalum chinense is a delightful shrub that has the main advantage of flowering from the end of winter. In February-March, it is adorned with unique slightly scented white flowers. The flowers will cover the evergreen foliage in mild climates. They are adorned with thin, ribbon-like petals that give the flower the appearance of a spider. While it is relatively tolerant of heat and drought once well established, it prefers partial shade, limestone-free soils... and mild climates!

Loropetalum chinense, or Chinese Fringe Flower, is a shrub of the Hamamelidaceae family, is recognised by its 4 long ribbon-like petals that resemble those of the Hamamelis. It is native to the forests and copses of the Himalayas, in China, and the northern and eastern regions of India, where it grows up to 1200m (3937 ft) altitude.

It has a bushy habit, both dense and spreading, in a cushion shape. Its branches are long and flexible. It will reach a height of about 2m (6 ft 7 in) with a similar spread at maturity. Overtime, it can still grow - some unpruned specimens reach heights of up to 10m (32 ft 10 in)!  It develops evergreen foliage in milder climates. The leaves, entire and ovate in shape, measure 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 in) in length.  They are red when they first emerge, then become mid green as the days lengthen. The abundant, honey-scented and nectar-rich flowers occur from February to May, depending on the climate, and last about 3 weeks. The flowers are in groups of 3 to 6 on the axils of the leaves, along the branches. They are composed of 4 thin petals, slightly twisted, and pure white in colour. They release a subtle honey fragrance.

This Chinese Fringe Flower prefers to be planted in partial shade in a limestone-free soil. It is hardy down to -10°C and is suitable for mild and cool climates in summer. However, young plants can suffer from -6/-7°C (21.2/19.4 °F), so they will need protection from severe frosts.

Loropetalums are in fashion: unique, well-suited for potted cultivation, compact, they appeal to urban gardeners as well as lovers of English gardens. They stand out in spring scenes, beautifully coloured when the garden is still very sparse with flowers. Early in the season, their honey-scented flowers are also a good source of nectar for bees. You can grow them in pots in cold regions, in a limestone-free but fertile potting soil, and stored in winter. They can be used in an informal hedge, or within a mixed border of heathland shrubs with staggered flowering: camellias, hamamelis, azaleas and rhododendrons, andromedas and hydrangeas, for example. It can also be grown as a bonsai. Like deciduous azaleas, with which it forms sublime combinations, Loropetalum chinense is quite water-efficient once well established. In neutral soil and mild climates, it will accompany the flowering of China roses (Old Blush) as early as February.