Loropetalum 'Ruby'

Loropetalum 'Ruby' is an evergreen shrub in the witch hazel family, listed botanically as Loropetalum chinense 'Ruby' and often under the red-leaved variety rubrum. New leaves emerge ruby red, deepening to burgundy; lightly fragrant pink flowers with narrow strap-like petals cover the rounded canopy in spring. Give it full sun with afternoon shade for the best flower and leaf color, in acidic, well drained soil; alkaline or soggy ground causes chlorosis. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, and into 10a in Florida, it is drought tolerant once established, though weekly water helps in extreme heat. Bloom peaks in late winter and early spring. Reported mature size runs from about 5 feet tall and wide to 12 by 10 feet, so allow room and prune after flowering. 'Ruby' is grown for its red new growth and bright pink flowers, though it is prone to loropetalum decline in central Florida.