Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance - Evergreen Witch Hazel

Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance is an evergreen shrub commonly known as the Evergreen Witch Hazel. 
The Loropetalum is a member of the witch hazel family.  However unlike the more common witch hazels the Loropetalum is evergreen. This variety, Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance has deep plum pink  / purple leaves and unusually keeps this deep rich colour all year round. New foliage is pinky / purple darkening to deep purple.

The flowers are small bursts of dark pink covering the whole plant in late winter early spring. Sometimes, Evergreen Witch Hazel flowers again late summer early autumn. The pink flowers contrast most dramatically with the pruple foliage. 

Why buy this plant? 
Loropetalum Chinense Firedance is a very attractive evergreen slow growing flowering plant. It is rare in that it is one of the very few plants which is both evergreen and has purple foliage.

How Hardy Is Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance 
Evergreen Witch Hazel is hardy in most of the UK, but it struggle in harsh temperatures in northern locations. It benefits from winter frost protection, so if you can place this shrub in a sheltered position it will grow happily all year round. 

How To Use Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance 
Evergreen Witch Hazel keeps its reddish purple foliage all year round. In late winter to early spring pink blooms produce a sweet scent that attracts early waking pollinators. It is one of the first plants of the season to flower, along with magnolias. 

How To Care For Loropetalum Chinense Fire Dance 
Evergreen Witch Hazel is a woodland shrub that grows under trees for protection in the Far East. It will benefit from wind protection and thrive in a sunny, sheltered border.
This shrub needs little care. Pruning is not required, but if you lightly trim the foliage after flowering has finished it will bush out and form a mound shape. 
The best soil for Evergreen Witch Hazel is moist but well-drained soil of any pH. Top up the soil around its roots with well-rotted organic matter each year. This will keep your plant healthy and promote growth.

If you need winter colour in your garden an Evergreen Witch Hazel is a great choice. It is one of the few that has a reddish purple colour that works well with white and dark green foliage of other evergreens such as holly and Variegated Fatsia Japonica. You may also be interested in more plants with red / purple foliage.