Ruby Loropetalum

This shrub/small tree is new to me. On my walk, it lines the highway along both sides for long stretches. Along highway 17, it is trimmed back to the size of trimmed boxwoods–forming neat rectangles that line the sides of the highway and glow pink. In my neighborhood, it is a common planting beside and in front of the houses.

I finally slowed down to see what it was–deciding it was not an azalea form.

The feathery blooms are different–and pretty.

See?

As near as I can tell, this plant blooms for rather a long time.

Wikipedia says this plant is in the witch hazel family.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loropetalum

Here’s a quote from an online nursery:

“The Ruby Loropetalum is a great shrub for screening and adding rich, red color to the landscape. If you’re looking for a shrub that’s hard to kill, this one’s for you! The Ruby Loropetalum is the most popular Loropetalum! This Ruby Loropetalum produces bright, pink flowers in the spring and pushes out new growth. As the new growth hardens off, it turns from red to ruby. Loropetalums are evergreen! They hold their leaves throughout the winter months still adding ruby color to your otherwise barren landscape. The Ruby prefers full sun. The more sun it gets, the more color you will have.

This loropetalum will reach 6 feet tall and about 6 feet wide. In the landscape, this Loropetalum is great for hedges, natural areas, small privacy screenings, and berm plantings. They break up all the green and function well. Use this loropetalum in the back of the landscape. They get large in size, so close to your house is not a good idea. We suggest planting out in the yard or in natural area where they can grow.”

This plant can handle full or partial sun. It attracts birds, bees, and butterflies. It is drought tolerant when established. And the flowers are FRAGRANT.

What’s not to like?

The redbuds have been blooming for some weeks now:

And the azaleas are in full bloom. I’ll have to drive some neighborhoods to get some pictures. Or, visit one of the plantation gardens where azaleas will be featured.