Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum Rose in Black - Chinese witch hazel

Loropetalum chinense 'Rose in Black' is a variety of Chinese witch hazel that stands out for its almost black foliage, a more intense and long-lasting colour than many other cultivars. Its young shoots retain a dark hue that gives flower beds a rare colour depth. Its flowers in shades of pink, red, and magenta, create a beautiful contrast during spring flowering. Compact and easy to maintain, decorative all year round, this bush is ideal for small gardens, low hedges, or container growing on a terrace.

Loropetalum is a bush from the Hamamelidaceae family, with the chinense species being the most well-known and extensively cultivated by horticulturists. This species is native to the Himalayas, China, and regions in the north and east of India, where it grows in forests and copse up to 1200 m in altitude.
The 'Rose in Black' cultivar was developed by Zheijang Senhe Seed Co. LTD in China. It is a spreading bush reaching approximately 1.2 m in height and width at maturity. Its branches are arching, contributing to its graceful habit. Its evergreen, almost black leaves are rounder than those of the typical species, with young shoots in purple. The flowering, which mainly occurs from March to May, consists of flowers with lacy petals similar to those of witch hazels, and can occur several times a year. The petals display a mix of bright pink, red, and magenta. Slightly scented, they attract pollinating insects.

Loropetalum chinense 'Rose in Black' fits perfectly in contemporary, Asian, or even romantic gardens. Its intense purple foliage creates an ideal base for structuring a flower bed or highlighting a large border. Pair it with an Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood', whose deep red foliage extends the purple palette, or Nandina domestica 'Fire Power', which adorns itself with orange-red hues in winter. At its base, light grasses like Carex oshimensis 'Everillo', with golden leaves, add movement and soften its compact habit. Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', with its white flowers tinged with green, offers a bright contrast under the summer sun. These combinations create a living picture, changing with the seasons, while remaining easy to maintain.