........Flowering now in the woody corner of the garden at Cortijo Azahar is this
Loropetalum chinense, sometimes called
the fringe flower, a beautiful and versatile shrub that is a member of the
witch hazel family, Hamameliadaceae, from China and the Himalayas.
Flowering is heaviest in the spring but
sporadic flowers are likely to occur at anytime of the year.
The versatility of Loropetalum is that it
can be grown in mild coastal climates in light shade to full sun, yet can
tolerate the cooler winter temperatures and heat associated with other regions.
A primary difference in the plants grown in
these extremes is whether the plant remains evergreen or not. Here on the south cost of Spain it is
evergreen and given the right conditions will grow into a graceful small tree
if allowed.
Plant
in neutral to slightly acidic soil and irrigate occasionally - plants prefer it
moist but not wet.
A flashy new variety named 'Sparkling Plum' that I found on the internet but would I like it in my garden?
Oh you just bet I would!
