Early last spring, I planted 5 of what I believed to be Ruby Loropetalums in
my yard (Zone 7, Raleigh, NC), and they have just started blooming. I know
the foliage color of Loropetalum can vary dramatically from variety to
variety, but my recollection is that the Ruby variety remains ruby red
throughout most of the year. The "problem" is that the foliage on my plants
are brownish/green and have been for a while (at least throughout the
winter), although there are some fresh hints of the ruby red I like so much.
Bottom line, I'm trying to figure out if these are Ruby Loropetalum or if
perhaps I planted a different variety. For anyone who has this variety or
is familiar with Loropetalums in general, I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you.

In article , "NoName"
wrote:

Early last spring, I planted 5 of what I believed to be Ruby Loropetalums in
my yard (Zone 7, Raleigh, NC), and they have just started blooming. I know
the foliage color of Loropetalum can vary dramatically from variety to
variety, but my recollection is that the Ruby variety remains ruby red
throughout most of the year. The "problem" is that the foliage on my plants
are brownish/green and have been for a while (at least throughout the
winter), although there are some fresh hints of the ruby red I like so much.
Bottom line, I'm trying to figure out if these are Ruby Loropetalum or if
perhaps I planted a different variety. For anyone who has this variety or
is familiar with Loropetalums in general, I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you.


I have experience with only one shrub, 'Sizzling Pink,' & the behavior of
one isn't applicable to all. Mine retains burgundy leaves year-round in
Zone 8, but some varieties emerge pinkleafed & harden to a dull green by
summer. If it is in a winter wind-exposed area, or winter had extended
freezes, I would expect the evergreen leaves to lose their best color in
winter. It may be too soon in the season for yours to be producing fresh
leaves so all you're seeing are last year's faded leaves. New growth
should again have burgundy to reddish coloring. 'Tis my best guess.

-paghat the ratgirl
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