Purple Loropetalum (Chinese Loropetalum)

Loropetalum is found with either white or pink blooms. Ours is the pink/purple variety, commonly called Purple Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum) or Chinese Loropetalum.  The leaves start green and then turn to purple after the blooms are gone. The blooms are more of a fuchsia color.

Purple Loropetalum

Purple Loropetalum Blooms close-up (in Feb)

We planted our Loropetalum near our Japanese Magnolia, and they both bloom at approximately the same time. The colors are both very similar and (in my opinion) complement each other.  See what you think:

Purple Loropetalum & Japanese Magnolia both in bloom (March)

It is a bit difficult to see the difference but the Loropetalum is behind the Japanese Magnolia and seems to emphasise the color of its blooms.

After the blooms on both trees fall off, the Loropetalum's leaves turn purple.

If you would like additional information about the Loropetalum plant, visit the Clemson University website here.